15-02-2010 par Aude BriauxA grain of sand in plan of extention of the harbour of Bilbao

In spain, users of the beach La Arena in Muskiz, are stepping up against the sand extraction plan undertook by Bilbao.

In 2005, the government allowed the extraction of 10 million cubic meters of sand in the beach.

However, it is said that the quality of the sand has not been analysed. The Spanish Basque government is requesting a better analysis of the site. It is concerned about the consequences that such a huge work would have on wild life, especially on the seaweed Gelidium.

The work started three months ago, and already 2 million cubic meters of sand have been extracted so far.

Surfrider Foundation is asking a new study of the arena before the extraction keeps going.