Three dead tuna have washed ashore at separate locations in Torrevieja. Municipal services removed the fish from Cala del Palangre, the area around Los Locos beach and near Juan Aparicio promenade on Saturday, 22 August.

The operation was coordinated by the council’s Beaches and Environment Department, the Acciona-Actúa joint venture responsible for the service, and the environmental unit of the Local Police. The fish had already died before they reached the shore, and the council said it would arrange their incineration.

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere along the south-eastern coast. Cleaning services in Pilar de la Horadada found another stranded tuna on 12 August, while several cases have also been reported around the Mar Menor and on beaches in Orihuela.

The cause cannot be established without examining the fish. However, sources have suggested that the deaths could be linked to the capture, handling, transfer or fattening of bluefin tuna in offshore cages. The species is highly valued but can be vulnerable to stress, impacts, oxygen shortages and problems during transfers. The council has stressed the importance of removing the fish quickly from busy beaches to prevent disruption, smells and possible risks.