Environmental emergency raised as alert issued over plastic washing ashore in northern Spain

Concerns are growing in northern Spain of an environmental emergency as millions of plastic pellets have washed up on shores in the region.

Over 26 tonnes of the pellets – known as nurdles – spilled from the cargo ship Toconao off Portugal’s coast at the start of last month.

Now the plastic is being found washed on on beaches stretching from Galicia to Asturias.

Regional authorities have activated a number of emergency protocols to tackle the possible damage, whilst an inquiry has also been launched.

Volunteers are working to contain the ‘white tide’ but fear lasting damage to wildlife and fishing industries.