Ten beaches and marinas throughout Gwynedd are amongst the best in Europe and have been awarded European Blue Flags.

Among the successful beaches and marinas to fly the Blue Flag this year are Aberdyfi and Tywyn in south Meirionnydd, Barmouth, Criccieth, Pwllheli, Abersoch, Dinas Dinlle and the Victoria Dock in Caernarfon.

The Blue Flag is awarded annually in over 32 countries across the world and Wales can boast a record 44 beaches and 5 marinas for the 2007 season. To have achieved Blue Flag status is acknowledgement that the recipients have joined the Premier League for beaches and marinas.

Gwynedd Council Chair, Councillor Meinir Owen,said:

“We are delighted to announce the successful lists of beaches who have been awarded the Blue Flag this year. A number of locations throughout Gwynedd are on the list, and we are grateful that we can boast in their cleanliness and the quality of facilities available on our beaches.

“The fact ten locations here in Gwynedd have been recognised with this honour is a testament to the Council’s substantial investment in the work of improving beaches throughout the County.”

Beaches are judged against a total of 29 criteria which include reaching the highest water quality, good litter management, provision of information, strict dog controls and sustainable environmental management. Marinas will have met 16 land-based criteria that include reception facilities for hazardous waste, adequate lifesaving equipment and a commitment to safeguard their local environment.

The Blue Flags awards are managed in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy and their Chief Executive. Tegryn Jones commented:

“When the awards were introduced to Wales in the early nineties only two beaches met the strict criteria, but this year we are celebrating the news that 44 of our beaches and 5 marinas have made the list. However, we are well aware that we have some way to go before we can claim that every inch of our 750 mile coastline is pristine.

“Much has been achieved by Local Authorities and Welsh Water in recent years in driving up the quality of our bathing water and land based infrastructure. We now call upon the beach visitor to play their part by ensuring that they respect our national treasures."

Gwynedd’s beaches and marinas which have been awarded the Blue Flags in 2007: Aberdyfi; Barmouth; Abersoch; Criccieth; Dinas Dinlle (Morfa Dinlle); Victoria Dock Caernarfon (Marina); Hafan Pwllheli (Marina); Pwllheli, Marian y De; Tywyn and Fairbourne.