Racó de Mar beach in Canet d’en Berenguer, which has held the Blue Flag uninterruptedly for 35 years, is facing a significant problem: the accumulation of stones. These sediments, washed ashore by various DANA events, have become a nuisance for beach users.

The local council, given the persistence of the issue, has sent a letter this week to the Coastal Demarcation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The aim is to obtain permission to carry out removal work, even agreeing to bear the costs if necessary.

As explained by Pere Antoni, the mayor of Canet d’en Berenguer, "We have been asking Costas to intervene for over a week, because there is a stretch of about 300 meters of stones in the northern area that we want them to remove, as it is their responsibility. If they do not want to do it, they should at least allow us to intervene, even if it means assuming the cost".

In its request, the Town Hall seeks authorization for screening and removal work, either mechanical or manual, to separate the pebbles from the sand surface. It also requests permission to remove residual elements and carry out a gentle profiling of the beach line, leaving it in optimal condition for use.

Furthermore, permission is sought to use a light and specialized machine, such as a towed or self-propelled low-impact screener, to ensure that the beach's structural profile is not altered and that protected dune areas are not damaged. The council commits to coordinating the work according to the technical guidelines established by the Coastal Demarcation.

Among the reasons cited for the request is the start of the summer season and the increase in visitors to Racó de Mar, an economic driver for the town and a natural space requiring proper maintenance. It is also recalled that recent storms have caused a massive and extraordinary accumulation of pebbles and stones, particularly in the northern sector.

The accumulation of stones hinders user access, reduces the usable sandy area, poses a risk of falls and injuries, and impedes the proper deployment of rescue, lifeguard, and accessibility services. The letter emphasizes that any intervention will be carried out "scrupulously respecting the environmental values of the area".