The Las Palmas Council has now cleared 85,000 kilograms of seaweed from Las Canteras Beach in Gran Canaria this week, with just under 30,000 kilos on Thursday alone, as reported by the City's Department of Coastal Affairs.
The accumulation of algae is particularly pronounced in the areas of Puntilla and Peña la Vieja, which is attributed to the strong tides. The Council has explained that this is a natural phenomenon that occurs periodically when there are strong waves and storms, and is associated this time of the year with northwest winds.
The Council also says that they cannot completely eliminate this seaweed, but they are removing what could be bothersome to beachgoers. Substantial quantities are removed daily, but it's challenging to predict how long this phenomenon will last. Although Gran Canaria is not currently under a yellow warning for high waves, there is a chance of light rain.
The Department of Coastal Affairs said in a statement that the purpose of these cleaning efforts is to prevent the accumulation of seaweed on the beach from affecting the safety of people strolling along the shoreline and to prevent the decomposition of this organic matter from harming residents, businesses, and members of the public.
