Residents and holidaymakers in La Manga were left concerned on Wednesday morning, 8 July, after dozens of dead fish were spotted floating near the shoreline of the Mar Menor. The discovery, close to kilometre 12 near Playa Mistral and the Paquebote restaurant, prompted fears of another environmental incident in the lagoon.

Given the Mar Menor’s troubled recent history, images of dead fish quickly raised alarm among locals. However, the Regional Ministry responsible for monitoring the lagoon sent an environmental officer to inspect the area shortly after reports were received.

Following an on-site assessment, officials concluded the fish were discarded catches from fishing activity rather than the result of water quality problems or oxygen depletion. Many of the fish had their heads removed, and they were identified mainly as sardines that had been discarded several days earlier before washing ashore. Maintenance crews later removed them.

The incident revived memories of major ecological crises in 2019 and 2021, when thousands of fish died following episodes of severe oxygen depletion. Authorities say the lagoon remains under intensive environmental monitoring throughout the year.