Orihuela Costa’s beaches remain covered in accumulated posidonia seaweed despite the peak summer season, prompting a wave of complaints from residents and holidaymakers. Social media criticism has intensified as thousands flock to the coast, where the population rises from around 30,000 registered residents to nearly 100,000 during July and August.

The council launched a tender in early June for a contract worth €80,520 to cover the collection, transport and treatment of the seaweed, but the process has not yet been completed. Officials have indicated that, given the administrative stages and a potential 15-day appeals period, removal work may not begin until September.

Under Spanish environmental law, posidonia meadows are protected and removal requires authorisation from the regional Directorate General for the Natural Environment. While the seaweed plays a key role in preventing coastal erosion, bathers often complain about unpleasant smells and inconvenience during the busiest months.

The issue has also highlighted political tensions within the local coalition government and raised questions over a €1 million beach maintenance allocation approved in the 2024 budget but still not spent. The public company Ecoplan, which manages maintenance, says it has carried out more than 1,000 interventions over the past year across the coastal area.