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Western Beach re-opens as Gib monitors algae growth on our coastline

Western Beach will be opened to the public today following the removal of brown algae this week but Environmentalists warn the seaweed is bound to return.

Around 10 truckloads of algae were removed from the beach over the course of four days.

The reason for the recent accumulation of ‘forkweed’ seaweed is believed to be the result of climate change but the Department for Environment locally have said they are uncertain about the cause.

The Chronicle spoke to Chief Executive of the Department of the Environment Dr Liesel Torres and Senior Environment Officer Stephen Warr who said that there seems to be rapid growth of the seaweed and which has been spotted at all local beaches and at the Detached Mole.

However, they point out, that it is far more prevalent at Western Beach due to its shape.

They explained the shape of Western Beach acts like a ‘trap’ which means that seaweed is pushed into the surrounding water but cannot leave because of its closed off nature.

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