Portugal imposes penalties for urinating in the sea
In a recent discussion, travel expert Jessica Bollinger brought up the topic of public urination in the ocean, stating that it is illegal in Portugal and can lead to severe penalties. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a different story.
According to the National Association of Municipalities (ANM) in Portugal, there are no laws prohibiting bathers from urinating in the ocean. This misconception seems to have originated from travel rumours, with the picture circulating online about the illegality of urinating in Portuguese waters not sharing real information.
In contrast, Spain has laws regulating the prohibition of urinating in certain areas, such as beaches and the sea. For instance, in Vigo, it is illegal to urinate on the beach or in the sea, and fines of €750 are imposed. In Marbella, the fine for such an offence has increased from €300 to more than double that amount.
The enforcement of these laws in Spain may vary depending on the location. In some tourist areas like Albufeira, Portugal, public urination is explicitly banned. However, the fines for urinating on the beach or in the sea in Portugal are significantly lower than in Spain.
Bruno G. Santos, Deputy Editor at a website focusing on national politics and other current affairs, has a press card with the number 8463. In addition to his work on Portuguese politics and society, Santos also writes about the country's culture and other current affairs.
It's important to note that urinating in the ocean is not just an unspoken rule in Portugal, but a law created for a good reason, specifically for hygiene. Urinating in the ocean can be harmful to aquatic life and biodiversity, as highlighted by Jessica Bollinger.
In conclusion, while it may seem like a harmless act, urinating in the ocean can lead to fines in both Portugal and Spain. However, it is only in Spain where it is explicitly illegal, and the fines can be quite hefty. So, next time you're at the beach, remember to use the facilities provided to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
- In contrast to the misconception that urinating in the ocean is illegal in Portugal, the National Association of Municipalities (ANM) in Portugal has stated that there are no laws pertaining to this specific act.
- On the other hand, Spain enforces laws regulating the prohibition of urinating in certain areas, such as beaches and the sea, with fines that can reach up to €750 in Vigo and more than double that amount in Marbella.
- It is essential to be aware that urinating in the ocean not only violates public health and wellness norms but also poses a risk to aquatic life and biodiversity, as highlighted by Jessica Bollinger in the realm of environmental science.
