In a statement, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) informed the decision advanced by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), adding that the water is "in poor condition for bathing" in those six beaches in the district of Aveiro.

"After receiving information from the Portuguese Environment Agency advising against bathing on the six beaches of Espinho, instructions were given to raise the red flag and warnings were placed on the accesses to the various beaches, by Espinho City Council," adds the Maritime Authority.

Also according to AMN, the ban "will remain in force until the results of the water quality analysis indicate that the microbiological values are within the reference parameters".