Coastal safety measures revised after child injury during anti‑dumping protest

On Tuesday, volunteers from the Costa Mar Reef Monitoring Network recorded the highest weekly plastic count this season at Playa Verde, noting 1,240 pieces of debris per kilometre, a 35 % rise from the previous week. The surge coincided with a community protest against a recent illegal dumping incident near the mangrove inlet. Participants gathered to demand stricter enforcement while cleanup crews continued their work under the watch of the Marine Ministry. The scene set a tense backdrop for the events that followed.

During the protest, police deployed portable foam dispersal devices intended to break up floating plastic mats for easier collection. A nine‑year‑old bystander, Maya Rivera, was caught in the blast when a foam canister ruptured, causing a laceration to her left hand. Emergency services treated the wound on site, and the child was later released from the municipal clinic. The incident sparked immediate outrage among residents and environmental activists.

The Marine Ministry in Puerto Azul issued a statement on Wednesday announcing an immediate suspension of all foam dispersal devices in coastal operations. Minister Beatriz Coelho emphasized that public safety must precede any cleanup method and that an internal review will assess alternative techniques. The Ministry also pledged to increase funding for manual cleanup teams in the affected districts.

Officials said the review will include analysis of recent cleanup tallies, community feedback, and the environmental impact of current tools. The full report, expected by the end of the month, will shape future policy on plastic removal. The story continues with details of the investigation, reactions from local groups, and the broader implications for Costa Mar’s waste‑management strategy.