STORM KRISTIN

Three offshore fish farming cages from Portugal wash ashore in southern Spain after Storm Kristin

Punta Umbría, Spain, 30 January 2026 |

Jaula temporal - Punta Umbría

A total of three floating offshore aquaculture cages have washed ashore on the beach of Punta Umbría, in southern Spain, after being dragged by severe weather conditions associated with Storm Kristin, which has affected the Atlantic coast of Portugal and southwestern Spain over the past days.

According to local authorities, the structures were found near the Altair area of the beach. Following the discovery, Salvamento Marítimo (Spain’s maritime search and rescue agency) contacted its Portuguese counterpart, which confirmed that the cages originated in Portugal, although the exact location and the facility of origin have not yet been identified.

Storm Kristin bought strong winds, heavy seas and significant swell to large parts of the Atlantic coastline, particularly along western and southern Portugal. These conditions are consistent with the long-distance displacement of floating offshore infrastructure, although no further details have been released regarding the circumstances under wich the cages broke free from their original moorings.

The cages are part of the standard infrastructure used in marine aquaculture operations for offshore fish farming. So far, there have been no reports of fish escapes or environmental impacts, and the company owning the structures has not been identified.

Authorities are currently working on assessing the situation and removing the cages from the beach, in order to ensure public safety and prevent potential risks to the coastal environment.

The incident occurs in a context where offshore aquaculture in Portugal remains limited, with only a small number of projects under development and few fully operational installations, particularly in the Portuguese Algarve region. Pending further information from Portuguese authorities, no additional details have been provided regarding the origin of cages or their link to active aquaculture facilities.