Tourists are avoiding some beaches in Spain due to an invasion of 'stinky' algae along its southern coast.
The putrid stench of the rugulopteryx okamurae is understood to have swept in from Asia in the ballast tanks of cargo ships.
The gunk is said to have spread along the Canos de Meca beach in Cadiz, with holidaymakers reporting the usually stunning sand beaches unusable. Spain is one of the most popular summer holiday destination for Brits, with an estimated 16.5 million UK visitors last year alone.
However, hotel owners are complaining that many tourists are cancelling their bookings altogether due to the noxious odour brought by the 'tonnes' of algae spotted on the coastal sand, giving off a dreadful stench as it decomposes - reports say.
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The Star reports that while the algae originally began arriving a few years ago, rising sea temperatures have seen a substantial increase. Eco expert Lola Yllescas of Verdemar Ecologistas en Accion detailed how the problem was spreading along the coast, as well as the Gibraltar Strait - citing how it has 'affected bathers'.
A spokeswoman for Ecologistas en Acción, added: "It is a real disaster, especially for fishing. They cast the nets and only capture algae. It is a significant danger, but no-one has taken it seriously until people have not been able to even get into the water due to the amount of algae there is."
They also added that the algae, which prefers rocky beaches where it can cling more effectively, has no natural predators and can spread rapidly. Local fisherman have also been hit by the issue, as it gets tangled in their nets.
Political party PSEO claimed that many tourists have been spotted leaving the beaches due to the invasive swarm of algae, as well as the bad smell it brings with it. Coastal community officials meanwhile, noted how they were using tractors and diggers to clean the beaches up.
Before the algae probem, the Canos de Meca was hailed a beautiful stretch of sandy and unspoiled beach. Rave reviews online praised the area for its 'long, white beaches with amazing views and a roaring sea' as well as being a great place for 'tapas and drinks'.
But hoteliers have now complained that tourists are cancelling their trips altogether - when the usually bustling summer season is brilliant for business and the local economy.
