Bizerte: Highly polluted Sidi Salem beach declared unfit for swimming

The waters at Sidi Salem beach in Bizerte, Tunisia, have been declared unfit for swimming due to concerning levels of bacterial pollution. Microbiological analyses conducted on July 15, 2026, by the association Bizerte Marine revealed significant contamination.

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The samples reveal the presence of salmonella at 3,000 units/100 ml and fecal streptococci at 11,000 units/100 ml.

While the bacterium Escherichia coli was not detected in the seawater, its concentration was found to be very high in wastewater. The samples, however, showed alarming levels of salmonella at 3,000 units/100 ml and fecal streptococci at 11,000 units/100 ml. These values indicate persistent fecal contamination and pose a direct threat to public health.

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These values translate to persistent fecal contamination and constitute a direct threat to public health.

Bizerte Marine warns that swimming in this area exposes individuals to serious risks, including gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and skin, eye, ear, and respiratory infections. The association has urged competent authorities to implement a temporary ban on swimming at Sidi Salem.

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Frequentation of this area exposes to serious risks of gastroenteritis, diarrhea, as well as skin, ocular, auricular and respiratory infections.

Furthermore, Bizerte Marine is calling for the establishment of periodic analyses, immediate treatment of pollution sources, and increased control over discharge outlets. These measures are deemed essential to protect citizens' health and preserve the marine ecosystem.

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Bizerte Marine calls on the competent authorities and demands the temporary prohibition of swimming at Sidi Salem.