Strong winds strip beaches of sand

CONCERNS are growing over the state of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Blue Flag beaches after climate change has been blamed for sand being stripped off some of the city’s biggest seaside tourist attractions.

Stones, pebbles, rocks and debris have been visible on the city's beaches for the last month due to strong southeasterly winds that have been blowing large amounts of sand into the ocean.

"I am worried going into a drought period coupled with these strong southeasterlies which could mean problems."

Nationally, there are 45 Blue Flag beaches including Port Elizabeth's Kings and Humewood beaches, while Hobie Beach has been awarded "pilot" status.

Hobie and Humewood beaches were the ones worst affected by the southeasterlies.

Murrel said sand being blown out into the ocean was not a new problem as he remembered the same thing happening at Pollok Beach opposite the Something Good restaurant as a child.

- Lee-Anne Butler