Newspapers are highlighting the issue of the quality of Dominican beaches,
pointing to studies dating from 2001 and 2003 that show there are
problems that need to be addressed.
A news story in today’s El Caribe reports that out of a sample of 79 beaches
tested, 37 had high bacteria counts, especially those near urban centers. The study’s findings recommend that the Ministry of Environment should develop a strategy to minimize the risks to beach users, especially those with weaker immune systems. El Caribe reports that the pollution is due to “the discharge of residual waters without adequate treatment, altering its natural ecological balance”.
The newspaper states that the study found that the beach with the lowest bacteria count was Bayahibe-Romana (the Blue Flag certification-bearer). The study also showed that six out of 11 beaches in the Punta Cana-Bavaro area have problems, seven out of 10 beaches studied in Puerto Plata, and six out of 13 in Monte Cristi and Manzanillo. The specific beaches were not named.
On the same topic of beach quality, Hoy newspaper reports that the beaches
in the Juan Dolio and Guayacanes area are affected not only by pollution but also by erosion caused by construction that does not comply with regulations. One of the leading sources for contamination is the Higuamo River, as determined by biologist Gladys Rosado. In 2001, the Ministry of Environment contracted a Meter Anderson survey of the waters off the southeastern coast. The research was funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Radhames Martinez Aponte, director of the regional hotel association, said that only seven of the 35 hotels in the area are connected to residual water treatment plants.
Yesterday, Hoy newspaper reported on the inadequate management of Boca
Chica beach that is affected by bacterial and chemical pollution. These findings are from a study dating to 2003 carried out by a technical
team from the Academy of Sciences and the Armed Forces Ministry at the
request of the Association of Merchants of Boca Chica.
Measures are being taken to improve the quality of the beaches.
Hoteliers in the Puerto Plata (Costa Dorada and Playa Dorada) and Punta
Cana areas are working together, learning from the successful experience of Bayahibe, are already on the way to becoming Blue Flag certified as a guarantee of the beaches’ quality.