Since 2022 the Environment Agency (EA) has advised holidaymakers against swimming in the sea off Bridlington’s South Beach after high levels of bacteria harmful to human health were detected. Bathing water quality at the beach is officially rated as poor while neighbouring beaches are classed as good.
Seagulls to blame at Bridlington
Now a detailed investigation into the issue says most bacteria found during extensive sampling was from seagull droppings. Water samples were taken in the sea off both main beaches at the resort as well as Bridlington harbour. Sediment and sand samples were also analysed.
The report by EA scientists also found “significant” increases in bacteria associated with human pollution following heavy rainfall. It concluded:
“There is clear evidence of an association between higher levels of seabird bacterial DNA and high intestinal enterococci concentrations. Seabird pollution is consistently high at Bridlington South Beach and is constant throughout the season. Bridlington South gull counts are significantly higher than Bridlington North where bathing water classification is better.
“Following rainfall, a significant increase in bacteria associated with human pollution was also found in water samples. This pollution may also be contributing to the overall bathing water classification.”
Don’t feed the birds!
The report says people visiting the harbour should be discouraged from feeding seagulls while cafe owners in the area need to clear outdoor tables more rapidly. It also suggests installing gull-proof litter bins and identifying nesting and feeding sites for potential future action.
Other recommendations include further investigations into the impact of heavy rainfall on the harbour which is a natural outlet for the Gypsey Race freshwater stream which runs through the town.
East Riding councillor Tim Norman, who represents Bridlington South, said:
“The report has identified that one of the big issues here is seagulls. We now need to find some way of getting rid of some of the seagulls from the South Beach area.”
The scientists discounted any significant pollution from dogs or grazing animals.
Investigation findings
A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Water Bathing Water Partnership, said:
“Extensive investigations, funded by the Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Yorkshire Water were carried out during the 2023 bathing season, to understand what is causing drops in water quality at Bridlington. This included an increased programme of sampling covering tidal cycles at Bridlington South, with parallel samples taken from Bridlington North and Bridlington harbour on 6 occasions between the start of July and the end of September. In total, 230 water and 48 sediment samples were collected.
“Initial findings show there are several factors which affect water quality at Bridlington. Impacts as a result of natural waste from seabirds is present throughout the bathing water season in all weathers, with storm overflows impacting for a short time following rain at Bridlington South during the 2023 bathing season.
“As a partnership, we are working together as a matter of urgency to address the results of the preliminary investigation and ensure the community gets the beach environment that they deserve. A number of actions are already under consideration including management of beach washups, such as seaweed and shellfish, as well as an assessment of water company storm overflows and a review of hydrological models of the coast.”
