The well-known Silver Beach scenic spot in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was recently converted into a "green beach" by algae. Sanitation workers have cleared 135 tons of green algae in just five days, China News reported on Jan. 5.

Silver Beach generally boasts fine sand and clean water. However, it has suffered from several invasions of green algae due to global warming and changes in the marine environment. On Jan. 4, the beach was once again covered by algae, giving off a light fishy smell. A dozen sanitation workers spent more than 10 days cleaning up the algae.

Gao Shijuan, an employee of the company that manages the scenic spot, explained that the algae appeared on the beach as it got warmer in December 2015. Still more arrived in 2016, sometimes covering the whole coastline.

An investigation by the Oceanic Administration of Beihai showed that the green algae on Silver Beach was non-toxic enteromorpha, which is not harmful to humans. Furthermore, the green bloom is a natural ecological phenomenon, which can even purify the water. However, it reflects the high content of nutritive salt in the seawater.

“The local drainage facilities are not sound, which leads to imperfect treatment of domestic sewage discharged in the coastal area,” said Ye Feng, head of the Beihai Environmental Inspection Detachment. Ye added that they will tighten oversight to decrease discharged pollutants.