Summer is in full swing, with soaring temperatures attracting beachgoers to the shores. However, vacationers in the tourist zone of Djerba Island have made concerning observations while trying to enjoy the sea. They expressed their discontent over the emission of nauseating odors, without understanding the cause, and voiced their concerns on social media, demanding explanations and solutions. The response was swift, with a representative from the National Sanitation Office (Onas) in Djerba stating that the odors are a result of low oxygen levels in the seawater, caused by the high temperatures, leading to the decay of marine algae.

The issue of algae on the beaches is also evident in Hammam Sousse, where the municipality has taken action by banning swimming along a 3 km stretch of beach south of the El Kantaoui port. This decision was part of a project aimed at combatting beach erosion, which posed a threat to coastal properties. To address this, sand deposition works have been initiated to reinforce the beach permanently. Furthermore, a campaign against the illegal exploitation of the public maritime domain was conducted on the « La Falaise » and « Karraia » beaches in Monastir. Four violations were recorded, and illegal equipment, including 15 beach tables, 125 chairs, and 25 umbrellas, was seized.

The Maritime Guard and the Prosecutor’s Office will be informed of the reports filed against the offenders. These environmental issues in Tunisia require ongoing attention and appropriate measures to preserve the beaches and water quality, as well as combat illegal exploitation of public maritime spaces. Raising awareness and fostering cooperation between government agencies and local communities are vital steps in safeguarding the country’s coastline and coastal environment.

La Saison Bleue