There has been a lot of talk about peeing in the sea recently, especially after some Spanish cities introduced fines. In 2022, it was already banned in Vigo, Galicia, followed by the city of Málaga. Now the luxury coastal city of Marbella wants to be the next city without urine, because urinating in the sea can result in a fine of 750 euros. This was reported by the local newspaper Marbella24horas.
According to a study by the American Chemical Society Urinating in the sea does not have a significant negative impact on the oceans or their ecosystems. This is because the chemical composition of urine is largely similar to that of seawater, and the vast amounts of water in the ocean cause extreme dilution.
Urine mainly contains water, urea, chloride, sodium and potassium. There are already large amounts of these substances in seawater. In addition, nitrogen in urine can even act as a nutrient for certain marine organisms. However, despite these scientific views, it remains a controversial topic for social and hygienic reasons.
Although it may not be harmful to the environment, urinating in the sea is often considered unhygienic and obscene. Many people are uncomfortable with the thought of others urinating near them, even across the ocean.
Despite the lack of significant environmental impacts, several coastal municipalities have rules against urinating in the sea. In Málaga for example, urinating in the sea or on the beach is expressly prohibited with fines of 300 euros.
Also in a stylish coastal town Marbella the municipality is considering a ban on urinating in the sea, which might be surprising given the city’s luxurious appearance. According to article 67 of the law, “la evacuación fisiológica en el mar y la playa” can result in a fine of up to 750 euros. If you are caught by the police again after your act, the fine can easily be 1,500 euros, according to the OKDiario magazine.
City Vigo Galicia was the first Spanish coastal city to ban urinating on beaches and in the sea. From 2022, urinating in the sea has been prohibited, and the fines will rise to hundreds of euros.
Complying with these rules is complicated. It’s hard to catch people in the act, there are privacy concerns when watching beachgoers, and distinguishing between urinating and just standing in the water can be difficult.
As a result, these rules often act more as a deterrent and raise awareness than strictly enforced legislation. Many authorities prefer education and promoting the use of public toilets over active enforcement.