Investigation into the recent pollution which has seen beaches have to close to swimmers

Investigation into the recent pollution which has seen beaches have to close to swimmers - Maritimes authorities along the coast have denounced the recent closure of several beaches due to pollution as "unacceptable", and "intolerable" as they investigate who is to blame.

In recent weeks, some of the most beautiful beaches on our coastline have been closed due to pollution. Such as the Landing Beach in La Croix-Valmer and the Pardigon Beach in Cavalaire, completely closed four times in the space of just fifteen days. The same thing happened on several beaches in Cagnes-sur-Mer, closed twice in about ten days. Each time seaside activity and holidays are ruined for thousands of tourists. But who is behind this environmental damage and what are the consequences? Many have pointed the finger at the super yachts that cruise offshore, but there is no evidence to confirm this. While in the La Croix-Valmer, the suspect is the discharge of wastewater.  In Cagnes-sur-Mer, the blame has been aimed towards the open sea, such as the yachts and commercial ships. Many point to the luxury units that cruise off the beaches. But, according to the maritime prefecture, nothing in the current situation allows authorities to incriminate them more than others. One thing is certain: traces of hydrocarbons have been detected and bathers have complained of feeling an oily sensation on their skin. Which ahs in turn led to Louis Nègre, the mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer, deplored an "unacceptable" situation and filing a complaint with State services. According to him, these traces come from boats. However, it will probably be very difficult, if not impossible, to trace the polluter.

Last year, 234 reports of marine pollution were recorded along our coasts by Cross Med. 41 were confirmed, 124 remained undetermined (53%). For 69 of them, it was not a question of pollution. It should be noted that none of the confirmed cases caused a significant impact on the marine environment.  According to the NGO WWF, one million tons of hydrocarbons are illegally dumped each year in the Mediterranean.

 

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