In a stark warning for summer tourists and residents alike, Tunisian authorities have officially banned swimming at 28 beaches across the country due to unsafe water conditions, raising fresh concerns over coastal pollution and environmental neglect.
The Ministry of Health announced the measure on June 25, following a comprehensive quality assessment of seawater conducted throughout the month.
The tests, part of routine monitoring ahead of the high tourism season, revealed alarming contamination levels at numerous sites, particularly around major urban centres.
The governorate of Ben Arous recorded the highest number of restricted beaches, with 15 locations deemed unfit for recreational use. Six additional beaches in Bizerte and another six in Raoued, located in the Ariana governorate, were also closed.
One beach in the capital, Tunis, has been similarly restricted.
Authorities say the closures are necessary to protect public health, citing water quality that fails to meet established safety standards.
“These bans are not merely preventive—they are the result of repeated pollution episodes and long-standing environmental strain,” the ministry stated.
While the majority of Tunisia’s beaches remain open and safe, the closures point to deeper structural issues. Experts blame untreated wastewater discharges, unregulated urban sprawl, and ageing sanitation systems for the deterioration.
For a country that relies heavily on coastal tourism—both as a cultural hallmark and an economic engine—the closures deliver a troubling message.
Beyond beachgoers, the bans affect local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and seasonal workers. Seaside tourism is a major contributor to Tunisia’s GDP, and repeated environmental alerts could damage its appeal in a competitive Mediterranean market.
Environmental advocates are calling for urgent reforms in wastewater treatment and stronger enforcement of coastal zoning laws. “We’ve known about these problems for years.
What’s missing is the political will and investment to fix them,” said one civil society leader based in Bizerte.
As climate pressures mount and tourism rebounds post-pandemic, Tunisia’s coastal resilience will be tested more than ever. Ensuring that its beaches remain clean, accessible, and sustainable is now a public health imperative and an economic priority.
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