Last June, Ecologistas en Acción issued its annual list of coastal spots across Spain flagged for environmental concerns. The so‑called black flags highlighted areas grappling with overcrowding, urbanization, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Notably, Vigo’s dog beach in Galicia drew attention for a negative designation, prompting questions about why a dog-friendly shoreline would be singled out in this way.
In its statement, the organization criticized the trend of designating dog beaches without a prior environmental impact assessment. The Vigo City Council received the black flag for this reason, with the site known as A Calzoa beach cited as an example of unanticipated environmental consequences.
“Walking with dogs has become a widespread activity around the globe, yet it brings a host of environmental issues that require responsible governance by authorities and society,” the message stressed.
Several scientific studies have documented the impact of dogs on coastal fauna, especially on bird species that rely on coastal zones for feeding, resting, and breeding. The disturbances associated with dog activity often exceed those caused by other forms of disruption in these ecosystems.
“The concern isn’t about vilifying dogs or their companions; it is about understanding the interaction between dogs and birds. When a dog chases birds, even without catching them, it can cause considerable stress, disrupt feeding, reduce rest, and force birds to expend extra energy to flee,” the analysis explained.
Dog beaches, a growing trend
Beyond a single event, dog owners frequently spend long hours at beaches with their pets. The designation of dog beaches has emerged rapidly in many Spanish coastal towns, and in several cases environmental criteria have not been adequately evaluated before approval. Ironically, sites with potentially higher ecological value are sometimes selected, a contrast Ecologists in Action hopes to reverse.
Instances in the region show that the definition of dog beaches can be misapplied. Places such as Guadalhorce (Málaga), the mouth of the Banyeretes River (Barcelona), and the Ponzos River mouth near Sant Pol are cited as examples where the practice may conflict with ecosystem protection.
Ecologists in Action therefore calls for more comprehensive analyses by public administrations and for scientific-backed studies to guide the selection of recreational spaces for people and their dogs in natural environments.
Other black flags and a glimmer of hope
The current list also notes matters such as the extension of concessions to industrial facilities on the coast, including a pulp mill in the Pontevedra estuary. In a notable legal turn, the supreme court ruled in favor of the mill after a prior judgment had upheld concession expiration, highlighting tensions between environmental concerns and industrial interests.
Another flagged issue involves unauthorized occupation of public coastal land at the Barbadun estuary in Bizkaia, a case viewed as evidence of governance gaps where enforcement and subsequent legal actions were not fully carried out.
Ecologistas en Acción nevertheless acknowledged that some governments respond to pressure and mobilization with concrete measures. Examples include planned wastewater treatment enhancements in Barbate (Cádiz), improvements to discharge management and tertiary treatment in Roquetas de Mar (Almería), and the cleanup of Hípica beach in Melilla, alongside broader efforts to upgrade treatment plants and reclaim water. Initiatives of a political, administrative, and judicial nature have also emerged in the Mar Menor region (Murcia), driven in part by sustained public sentiment and activism.
There are moments of cautious optimism amid ongoing challenges.
This overview reflects the complex balance between protecting coastal ecosystems and accommodating human recreation. It underscores the need for careful planning, long-term environmental monitoring, and accountability in decisions about where people and their pets can enjoy natural spaces.
Note: The discussion highlights the importance of transparent processes, independent scientific review, and robust enforcement as essential components of coastal management moving forward.