River Maghepsin's coastal area in Anapa being readied for scientific exploration
In the picturesque town of Anapa, Russia, beach cleaning operations are currently underway in response to a massive oil spill that occurred in the Black Sea, originating from tankers sinking in the Kerch Strait in December 2024.
The cleanup efforts have been extensive, with approximately 2,500 people and 300 vehicles involved in shoreline cleanup on the Russian side. Over 158,000 tonnes of polluted sand have been collected near Anapa, reflecting the scale of contamination. Heavy equipment has taken over these operations, as the extent of the pollution necessitates it[2][4].
Despite these efforts, federal health officials still deem the Anapa coastline unsafe for swimming and recreation. Both water and sand remain polluted with petroleum products. Authorities have set a tentative safety benchmark of less than 5 milligrams of petroleum products per kilogram of sand for beaches to be safely reopened. However, this figure lacks a scientific foundation, and baseline pollution levels are unknown[1].
In April 2025, the Russian consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor declared 141 beaches in Anapa unfit for swimming for the summer season. The local administration has advised hotels and resorts not to allow beach access[2].
Public perception varies, with locals and tourists expressing skepticism regarding official warnings. Many perceive the risk as low given visible cleanup and a lack of observable oil or smell during visits[2].
The cleanup continues, with the disposal of contaminated sand and debris posing environmental and logistical questions. While some collected material has been incinerated or landfilled, large volumes still await disposal[4].
Special equipment, including heavy machinery, has been deployed for large-scale cleaning, including sand removal, to tackle the extensive mazut contamination left on beaches in Anapa suburbs like Vityazevo[2][3].
Final sand sifting is being conducted in some areas of Anapa's beach, and initial processing is being carried out in others. The work is being carried out using special equipment, and mechanized work is underway on several sections of the beach[1][2][4].
As of now, all 141 beaches in Anapa remain closed to visitors. Swimming in the sea is also prohibited. In the Temryuk district, nine beaches and the territory from Veselovka village to the Crimean Bridge are also closed to visitors[1].
Nikolai Zalivin, director of LLC "Kurorty Anapy", reported on the progress of beach cleaning activities, stating that different stages of work are taking place on various sections. The Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters continues to monitor and report on the beach cleaning activities in Anapa[1].
The area of the Meyepsyn River mouth is being prepared for necessary research. Beach cleaning is ongoing in Anapa using special equipment[1]. The Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters reported on the beach cleaning activities in Anapa on July 16[1].
As the cleanup efforts continue, the reopening of beaches depends on meeting uncertain toxicity thresholds set by federal authorities[1][2][4].
As beach cleaning operations continue, it's crucial to prioritize environmental-science to determine the safety of Anapa's coastline. The clean-up, which includes science-driven techniques and heavy machinery, is expected to address the massive oil spill in the Black Sea. Despite these efforts, health-and-wellness concerns remain, with petroleum products polluting both water and sand, keeping the beaches closed for swimming and recreation.
