DA/Efe.| The Municipal Operations Coordination Center (CECOPAL) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife warned this Saturday of the presence of microalgae and hydrocarbons on the coast of Valleseco, where swimming is not recommended at this time of the morning. The local corporation has raised the red flag and has informed users that they are in the El Bloque-Acapulco area.
In the last days, masses of microalgae have been detected in different parts of the canary archipelagoas in the south of Tenerife, some points of Gran Canaria and La Gomera.
ATTENTION: The @santacruz_ayto
following the regional sanitary protocol established in the presence of microalgae on beaches and bathing areas, DISCOMVIDES bathing in Valleseco (El Bloque-Acapulco) and raises the yellow flag 🟨 informing users. pic.twitter.com/ogpfu2hFCX— CECOPAL SC Tenerife (@CECOPALSC) August 12, 2023
ATTENTION: Given the proliferation of microalgae and the presence of hydrocarbon remains on the Valleseco coastline, the red flag is raised 🟥 in El Bloque #PlayasSantaCruz @santacruz_ayto pic.twitter.com/B8zjgu0pnq
— CECOPAL SC Tenerife (@CECOPALSC) August 12, 2023
What are microalgae?
These blooms of marine photosynthetic microorganisms are a natural phenomenon that, under suitable conditions, proliferate rapidly and, in the Canary Islands, these conditions occur periodically due to high sea temperatures, the absence of wind and episodes of haze.
In the presence of microalgae, Public Health recommends refraining from bathing and avoiding contact with the material deposited on the sand, as well as avoiding standing downwind to reduce the possible inhalation of aerosols on the shore.
It is also recommended to wear neoprene garments that fit well to the skin when practicing water sports and, in the event of contact with microalgae, wash the remains on the skin and clothing or material well.
