They don't just steal food: scientists consider seagulls a "winged threat" to Britain (2 photos)

According to experts, seagulls that live on a number of beaches in the south of Britain are the main source of problems with water quality in this place. However, this is not the only thing that worries environmentalists and local authorities.





Seagulls continue to create discomfort for local residents in several seaside towns in Great Britain. However, now the main problem is not only that they steal food, but also their excrement, which pollutes the water.

Journalists write that it is their droppings that are becoming the "main source" of pollution on a popular beach. In recent years, water quality at Bridlington South Beach in East Yorks has been rated as "poor" with tests revealing high levels of E. Coli bacteria.

The Environment Agency (EA) also found "higher levels" of "seabird bacterial DNA" compared to samples from nearby beaches. There was also a "significant" increase in "human-specific bacterial levels", according to the report.



EA spokeswoman Claire Campbell said seagulls, which frequent the beach, were "probably the biggest source of water quality issues at the site". But they are not the only problem, as last year "signs of human DNA" began to be found in the water. The agency recommends against swimming in the sea.

The media writes that last year there were about four times as many seagulls on South Beach as on the city's North Beach, which has the "best" water quality rating.

"Seabird pollution is consistently high at Bridlington South Beach and is constant throughout the season," the report says, recommending that local authorities introduce measures such as restrictions on feeding the "winged menace" any food.

The EA report now also asks for further work and research to determine exactly how human waste gets into coastal waters - from harbours or from nearby sewers.

York councillor Barbara Jefferson said she wanted to "see the results" the EA had seen, which she believed could be contributing to the decline in visitors to the region due to the biohazard.

"I want everyone to come and enjoy our coastline," said Ms Jefferson.