As part of a nationwide beach and coastline cleanup initiative, a workday was held at Rosarito’s central beach under the coordination of SEMARNAT (the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) and the Federal Maritime Land Zone (ZOFEMAT). Officials and various civil society groups participated on Friday, August 29.

Ricardo Javier Cárdenas Gutiérrez, head of SEMARNAT, noted that Rosarito kept its beaches open during the summer vacation period, as water quality studies confirmed the beaches were suitable for recreational use. This marks the first time in years that the beaches have been declared safe, thanks to efforts to reduce sewage discharges and the rehabilitation of the San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant.

“For the first time in many years, Rosarito has clean beaches that people can enjoy,” Cárdenas said. “This information comes from the Clean Beaches Committee, which monitors and verifies water quality.”

He also noted that following the Baja Beach Fest, the city has maintained a strong relationship with the festival organizers to ensure cleanup efforts continue at the event site. “The goal is sustainable development that protects our natural resources, and in this regard the festival has complied with these regulations,” he said.

The mayor, Rocío Adame, is personally overseeing beach cleaning efforts. A second meeting of the Clean Beaches Committee will be held in less than a month, rather than the previous three-month interval, reflecting her active involvement.

On another environmental note, Cárdenas highlighted the vulnerability of gray whales during migration. Due to factors such as climate change and krill shortages in the Arctic, many whales are weakened and die along their migratory route. According to health protocols, deceased whales may only be buried in the sand, as recently occurred with a whale found on Tijuana’s beaches.