Health of Mar Menor

Come and see for yourself…scaremongering and hugely exaggerated article. A lot of work continues to keep our lagoon safe and improving….thousands of people swim every year! Love it here!!

I agree.  

Absolutely inaccurate. In my opinion, it was very poor journalism and selective reporting.

The algal bloom problem from 2018-2019 and the subsequent rapid increase in seagrass growth caused by fertiliser runoff (nitrates). The fish kill occurs from low oxygen levels in the deeper parts, caused by rotting biomass from the above. (not from pesticides)

Since then, the use of fertilisers in many farming areas close to the Mar Menor has banned or very much restricted, with sensors detecting use. 

Many serious daily swimmers report that the water is much much clearer than in past years and the fish stocks appear to be rising. The 2023  fishing contest seems to back that up.

As Crissy has said, a lot of work has been done to improve the situation. The Mar Menor is now a legal entity, and Governments at all levels can be held accountable.

The Mar Menor water quality is now excellent, with visibility of more than four metres.

I have been a resident here for 11 years (so am no doubt biased). I have seen the downs and ups, especially from 2016-2021.

This year, a host of 90-day visitors have reported fantastic visibility, more fish than they have seen for many years, and yes, some non-stinging jellyfish.

The changes in the agricultural sector have already dramatically reduced the nitrate inflow and there have been major efforts to reduce flood waters reaching the Mar Menor.

When the large man-made wetlands come into being in 2024-25, the volume of nitrates and mud entering the Mar Menor will be even more reduced.

But come and spend a while and see for yourself 

Crissywissy and Roberto 100% spot on.

Only the responders who have a vested interest in saying everything is great and / or are just stupid and would swim in sewage rivers and say all is good say its all fine. 

It's not...they are just bothered about their property prices..they will tell you los alcazares doesn't flood really badly quite regularly...ignore them ..Read some quality articles yourself...I love the beaches at the mar menor but I don't go in the sea any more ...

I just left. I was there for a few days out of the 17 I spent in Spain narrowing down my search for a winter home. I find the micro-climate in Los Alcazares to be fantastic, coming from New England where its very cold January - part of March. I stayed on La Manga a few nights and then spent time in Los Alcazares so I was able to see the Mar Menor from two vantage points. I thought it was beautiful but of course, didnt venture in for a swim. I was in the process of putting down a non-refundable deposit on a home when I came across that article and it took the wind out of my sails. Im really glad this chat room exists so I can talk with those who are actually experiencing life on the Mar Menor, so thank you very much for your comments. Much appreciated. -Mark

Hi Roberto, As I wrote in my reply to Crissy: I just left. I was there for a few days out of the 17 I spent in Spain narrowing down my search for a winter home. I find the micro-climate in Los Alcazares to be fantastic, coming from New England where its very cold January - part of March. I stayed on La Manga a few nights and then spent time in Los Alcazares so I was able to see the Mar Menor from two vantage points. I thought it was beautiful but of course, didnt venture in for a swim. I was in the process of putting down a non-refundable deposit on a home when I came across that article and it took the wind out of my sails. Im really glad this chat room exists so I can talk with those who are actually experiencing life on the Mar Menor, so thank you very much for your comments. Much appreciated. -Mark

Thank you for your insights Jorge. Can you tell me if you live in the area or visit and during what season. Really appreciate your comments as I do every ones. -Mark

Thank you "Gaxx". So its running 3 to 1 in favor of the Mar Menor being in excellent shape compared to recent years with one dissenting opinion that it IS bad and those living in the area are stating otherwise to protect their interests. I really appreciate people being willing to make comment on either side of the issue and hope it will remain civil. Its hundreds of thousands of dollars and I want to make the right decision so all info is appreciated with no judgements. If theres anyone else with a point of view I would appreciate hearing from you. Best wishes to all, -Mark

I live about 20 minutes away ..regularly visit and lunch at playa villanitos which is a fab beach ...go to Los alcazares to lunch as well and eat out on the pier ..I would recommend you venture just into alicante side over the border where the ocean gives great beaches rather than the Mar Menor..