Beriki Beach, in Guaruja, on the coast of São Paulo, is considered the most polluted in Baixada Santista, according to data from the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETEP). The beach was considered unsuitable for swimming throughout 2025.
With a long strip of sand, the coast, although polluted, receives many tourists. Visitors are drawn to the natural scenery and coastal cuisine.
However, the environmental crisis does not only affect the beauty of the beach. Pollution threatens biodiversity, threatens the local economy and endangers public health.
In 2024, out of 52 weekly water collections, only one showed acceptable levels for bathing – that is, almost all the other collections showed contamination. This meant, in practical terms, that the Perequê area was not suitable for bathing all year round.
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According to the Guaruja City Council, the pollution of Praia do Perique is a reflection of decades of neglect regarding basic sanitation. “The presence of fecal coliforms in the water indicates irregular sewage discharge, which is a recurring problem in the region. As a result, coastal ecosystems suffer from a decline in marine fauna and degradation of mangroves,” he explained.
Studies indicate that Beriquet’s sands are also full of solid waste, especially plastic and cigarette butts. Irregular occupation around the Río do Peixe contributes to mangrove deforestation, further endangering the natural nursery.