The Western Costa del Sol faces a serious issue with the proliferation of Asian seaweed, known as Rugulopteryx okamurae. Annually, coastal municipalities incur increasing costs to collect and treat the debris accumulating on beaches, which the Mancomunidad deems an "authentic public health problem".
In response, the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental is analyzing an innovative solution: a pilot test using a net designed to contain and concentrate seaweed at sea before it reaches the shore. Subsequently, dredgers would be responsible for its removal.
Representatives from the company Nautilus Dragados Marítimos presented this technology during a working meeting with the President of the Mancomunidad, Félix Romero, and the Delegate for Tourism and Beaches, Francisco Cerdán. The objective is to evaluate the system's effectiveness and its adaptation to the Malaga coastline.
The Rugulopteryx okamurae, of Asian origin, arrived in Andalusian waters a decade ago, and its eradication is no longer considered possible. Experts suggest the illegal release of ballast water from commercial ships as its probable entry route.
The proposal, still under study, will address potential funding methods and administrative matters. The Mancomunidad will also present the project to the Junta de Andalucía, through the Territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment, due to their jurisdiction over the coastline.
In addition to addressing the seaweed problem, the meeting also explored solutions for the maintenance, recovery, and regeneration of beaches affected by erosion and storms, utilizing amphibious machinery.
