Dozens of surfers and environmental activists took to the shores of Playa Las Americas in the south of Tenerife today, Sunday, to protest against ongoing sewage discharges into the sea, accusing local authorities of neglect and putting public health at risk.
The demonstration, held at Playa Honda beach in the centre of Las Americas, was organised by environmental group ATAN (Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature) and the local surf collective Alianza Local.
Around 100 people gathered, many of them surfers, demanding immediate action to tackle marine pollution and improve water quality along the island’s coastline.
Protesters staged a traditional "paddle out", which is a symbolic circle formed in the water, on surfboards before reading out a manifesto condemning the poor state of wastewater management on the island.
“We’re tired of seeing this firsthand,” said Carla Henríquez, a local surfer and spokesperson for the groups. “We’re constantly finding wipes, tampons and other sanitary waste, as well as experiencing strange smells in the water. Sometimes it smells like bleach. This isn’t occasional, it’s happening all the time.”
Campaigners say the problem has reached crisis levels, with frequent reports of illness among swimmers and surfers, and claim local authorities are failing to act.
Accusations of Cover-Ups
According to organisers, there are no clear protocols for beach closures when pollution occurs, and authorities are not informing the public when contamination is detected.
“Lifeguards and fishermen are aware of what’s happening, but their hands are tied,” Henríquez added. “They see spills, they know the risks, but they’re not authorised to act.”
The protest follows reports of a “large brown stain” spotted in the sea last week, thought to have come from a broken pipe at a wastewater treatment plant nearby, but this has been ruled out by the Cabildo.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
Activists are now calling for:
“The sea is not a dumping ground,” the protestors said. “Beaches should not be risk zones. Our health is not negotiable.”
Legal Action Looming
The groups behind the protest also revealed plans to pursue legal action against the island’s authorities, including the Cabildo, to hold them accountable for what they describe as environmental negligence.
The demonstration highlights growing frustration on the island, which relies heavily on tourism, with campaigners warning that the failure to address the issue could have lasting consequences for both public health and the local economy.
