More than 100,000 kilos of seaweed have been removed from beaches along southern coastline of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria over the past week as authorities work to tackle major build-ups affecting public areas along the coast.

According to the council, over 60,000 kilos of ‘seba’, a type of marine algae common in Canary Island waters, were removed in just two days over the weekend.

The operation aims to prevent the decomposing algae from affecting public health and causing unpleasant conditions for residents and visitors using the coastal areas.

San Cristóbal and La Laja worst affected

The largest accumulations have been recorded around the San Cristóbal seafront, particularly near the Torreón de San Pedro and La Puntilla beach beside the fishing pier.

Meanwhile, at La Laja, large quantities of algae gathered around the natural swimming pools, affecting access and usability for bathers.

Local authorities say the clean-up is being carried out in a controlled and environmentally responsible way, stressing that the algae are a natural and important part of the marine ecosystem.

However, intervention becomes necessary when excessive accumulations of organic material begin to affect public spaces, local health, or safety conditions.

The recent warm weather and sea conditions are believed to have contributed to the unusually large build-up along parts of the coastline.

Despite the scale of the operation, officials have not reported any closures of the affected areas.