Recreational Water Research Articles

Recreational Water Safety in Hotels: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Way Forward for a Safe Aquatic Environment

The recreational waters of hotels are widely used by locals and travelers all around the world, and this impacts public health. In this regard, the WHO frequently offers recommendations—especially during the COVID-19 era—that operators and managers of public pools, hot tubs, or splash pads should continue to follow. This study aims to evaluate the microbiological results of COVID-19 sanitation protocols in recreational waters in hotels during the summer periods post-COVID-19 (2020–2022) and compare them with those pre-COVID-19 (2019). Of the samples tested during the pre-pandemic period, less than 1/5 were positive for total coliforms, common aerobic bacteria, and P. aeruginosa, while less than 3% of the samples tested were positive for E. coli. During the pandemic years, the percentages dropped by half for total coliforms, common aerobic bacteria, and E. coli, while only the percentage for P. aeruginosa remained the same. The relative risk (RR) for the presence of P. aeruginosa in recreational waters was greatly affected by chlorine levels, pH values, and water temperature. Our results elucidate the impact of sanitation protocols on the safety of recreational waters in hotels during public health crises. Moreover, the challenges operators face in maintaining long-term implementation of these protocols are highlighted, which in turn dictates the appropriate choice of preventive and applicable measures to ensure health and safety.

Humans versus models: a comparative assessment of ecosystem services models and stakeholders’ perceptions

Mapping the production of Ecosystem Services (ES) is imperative for sustainable ecosystem management. Likewise, incorporating expert knowledge enhances ES research. Here, we calculate eight multi-temporal ES indicators for mainland Portugal using a spatial modelling approach. These indicators are then integrated into the novel ASEBIO index—Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity—which depicts a combined ES potential based on CORINE Land Cover, using a multi-criteria evaluation method with weights defined by stakeholders through an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Outputs from the modelling show how ES have changed in Portugal in relation to land use changes, including trade-offs between 1990 and 2018. The composed ASEBIO index is compared against the stakeholders’ valuation of ES potential for the year 2018. The results reveal a significant mismatch between the ES potential perceived by stakeholders and the models, with stakeholder estimates being 32.8% higher on average. All the selected ES were overestimated by the stakeholders. Drought regulation and erosion prevention have the highest contrasts, while water purification, food production and recreation are the most closely aligned among both approaches. Providing the first national overview about the status of multiple ES over a 28 year-period, our findings highlight potential disparities between data-driven and stakeholder-based evaluations. Therefore, we suggest the need for integrative strategies that consider scientific models with expert knowledge for more effective ES assessments and land-use planning. This approach could help bridge the gap between data-driven models and human perspectives, resulting in more balanced and inclusive decision-making.

Microbial source tracking to address of bacterial contamination in recreational waters

Abstract Background Beach closures in the USA are determined by fecal indicator bacteria thresholds, which are insufficient to identify causes of contamination. We use microbial source tracking (MST) to identify the species source of bacteria entering chronically impaired waters. We find canine bacteria is the primary source of high E.coli levels and demonstrate the power of MST for direction of remediation efforts. Methods This environmental sampling study was performed in Short Beach, Branford, Connecticut, USA. Water samples were collected from outfalls under wet and dry precipitation conditions by 10 Citizen Scientist volunteers. The highest E.coli samples were analyzed for avian, human, and canine markers using MST. Results E.coli from 103 samples was tested from April-October 2023. Pearson’s r between average site E.coli and same day precipitation was 0.71 (p-value = 0.006). Among the high E.coli samples, 19 (76%) were low/non detectable, 5 (20%) were moderate, and 1 (4%) were high for human tracers; 10 (50%) were low/non detectable and 10 (50%) were moderate for avian tracers, and 3 (15%) were low/non detectable, 11 (55%) were moderate, and 6 (30%) were high for canine tracers. Conclusions Precipitation is a driver of elevated bacteria levels. Canine bacteria is likely the primary source of elevated bacterial levels in beach waters, while avian contributors are of moderate concern and human contributors are of low concern. As a result, an education campaign and watertight waste receptacles, rather than costly sewer line replacements, are being deployed to improve beach quality. Key messages • Use of microbial source tracking found canine bacteria is the likely driver of elevated E.coli levels in local beaches, initiating a community education campaign rather than costly sewer replacements. • Microbial source tracking technology offers a powerful public health tool for identifying causes of bacterial contamination in chronically impaired recreational waters.

Environmental justice of Texas recreational water quality – The disproportionate E. coli levels and trends

The presence of pathogens is one of the leading causes of stream water quality impairment in the US. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a fecal pathogen indicator and also signals the presence of more pathogenic microbes. Although it is reported that Black, Indigenous, and communities of color suffer more from E. coli contamination, there is a lack of investigation of the potential inequality of E. coli contamination in recreational waterbodies, particularly regarding whether this inequality persists over the long term. Using E. coli monitoring data from 1,424 stations from 2001 to 2021 in Texas, we tested the research hypotheses of racial and economic inequalities in E. coli levels and trends with quantile regression and logistic regression approaches. We found that economic disparities had a more significant relationship with E. coli contamination in Texas recreational waterbodies than racial disparities after controlling for building age, land covers, imperviousness, and precipitation. The economic disparities in E. coli contamination were more prevalent after 2010 and in extreme E. coli levels. In addition, implementing watershed protection plans could mitigate the economic disparities associated with the rising trend of E. coli levels between 2001 and 2021. Findings from this research underscore clean surface water deprivation from underserved communities and call for inclusive watershed management strategies to address the water quality injustice.

Host-associated microbes mitigate the negative impacts of aquatic pollution.

Pollution can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems, aquaculture operations, and recreational water quality. Many aquatic microbes can sequester or degrade pollutants and have been utilized for bioremediation. While planktonic and benthic microbes are well-studied, host-associated microbes likely play an important role in mitigating the negative impacts of aquatic pollution and represent an unrealized source of microbial potential. For example, aquatic organisms that thrive in highly polluted environments or concentrate pollutants may have microbiomes adapted to these selective pressures. Understanding microbe-pollutant interactions in sensitive and valuable species could help protect human well-being and improve ecosystem resilience. Investigating these interactions using appropriate experimental systems and overcoming methodological challenges will present novel opportunities to protect and improve aquatic systems. In this perspective, we review examples of how microbes could mitigate negative impacts of aquatic pollution, outline target study systems, discuss challenges of advancing this field, and outline implications in the face of global changes.

Relationships between fecal indicator abundance in water and sand and the presence of pathogenic genes in sand of recreational beaches.

For decades, the risk of exposure to infectious diseases in recreational beaches has been evaluated through the quantification of fecal indicator bacteria in water samples using culture methods. The analyses of sand samples have recently been developed as a complement to the monitoring of recreational waters in beach quality assessments. The growing use of molecular techniques for environmental monitoring allows for the rapid detection of pathogenic genes, thus providing more accurate information regarding the health risk of exposure to contaminated sand. The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between the fecal indicators abundance in water and sand and the presence of Shiga toxin-producer Escherichia coli (STEC) in sand by analyzing samples from touristic beaches using culture-dependent (fecal coliforms assay) and culture-independent (real-time PCR of stx1, stx2, and eae genes) techniques. We found a high concentration of coliform bacteria in water and sand in several beaches in eastern Uruguay, with different levels of sanitation networks and levels of urbanization. The presence of STEC virulence genes (mainly stx1) was confirmed in 8 out of 20 sand samples. The recreational use of sandy beaches may imply a risk to the health of its users, especially near streams and creek outflows, thus highlighting the need of monitoring sand bacteriological quality and pathogens using molecular tools.

A Review of Climate-Driven Threats to Recreational Water Users in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, impacts from climate change, such as sea-level rise and flooding, increased hurricanes and wildfires, and warmer temperatures, intersect with aging infrastructure, toxicities from the built environment, and pathogens to threaten the health of recreational ocean users via reduced water quality, severe weather and flooding, environmental degradation, and food systems impacts. An examination of climate-driven threats to water safety is a pertinent review of threats to coastal residents globally.

Modeling the dispersion of wastewater pollutants in Gaza's coastal waters

The disposal of sewage water in Gaza City has emerged as a significant issue with extensive environmental repercussions. This study seeks to investigate the pollution plume resulting from the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage water through Gaza City's main outlet into the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, it aims to predict scenarios for various design configurations of submerged outfalls with either single-port or multi-port diffusers and compare these scenarios against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recreational water quality criteria. According to the EPA, the concentration of Enterococci bacteria at the edge of the mixing zone should not exceed 35 CFU/100 ml to minimize the adverse environmental impact on the marine ecosystem.CORMIX software was utilized as a modeling tool to simulate the dispersion and attenuation behavior of pollutants resulting from this process and to conduct a sensitivity analysis to optimize the design configuration of the sewage disposal system. The simulation considered the influence of ambient conditions (ambient velocity, wind, and seawater density), effluent characteristics (density, flow rate, pollutant concentration, and pollutant decay rate), outfall configuration, and sea bathymetry.Simulation results indicate that a single-port diffuser is unsuitable according to EPA recreation standards. Multi-port unidirectional diffusers, extending 490 m from the shore into the water, meet the required standards. To a lesser extent, the multi-port staged distributor also meets the standards and is more recommended for counter-current situations.

The potential of coal mine voids for clean water sources in Nusantara Capital City

PT. Singlurus Pratama operates four mining blocks: Sungai Merdeka, Argosari, Margomulyo, and Mutiara. he Sungai Merdeka block has three voids with significant potential as a source of clean water for Nusantara Capital City (IKN), given its location within the city's development area. Surface water flows from the southern ridge to the north, accumulating in the voids of the Sungai Merdeka block, with a total inflow of 449,218,750 m³ per day. This volume can meet the needs of 1,796,875 to 4,492,187 people. One of the geological formations of the Sungai Merdeka block is the Balikpapan Formation, composed of alternating sandstone and clay with intercalations of shale and limestone, which is likely an aquifer. The water quality in voids 1 and 2 falls into the fairly good category (WQI = 70.07 and 70.77), while void 3 has moderate quality (WQI = 64.76). Thus, the water from the Sungai Merdeka voids can be used for personal and household hygiene, as well as raw water for drinking. Additionally, it can be utilized for recreational water facilities, freshwater aquaculture, livestock, and irrigation. However, the void water in the Sungai Merdeka block is indicated to have formed acid mine drainage, as the exposed void walls are contaminated with oxygen and leached by water. This leads to increased acidity, as indicated by the low pH values of the water. The increased acidity also results in higher concentrations of dissolved metals within the voids, necessitating careful management and treatment to ensure the water’s safety and usability for various applications.

Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Malaysia.

There has been a lack of data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) from Southeast Asia. This study evaluated the levels (mean total score and subscales score) of HRQoL, comparing the VKC and normal children groups, and within the VKC severity groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals, specifically the pediatric ophthalmology services at Hospital Selayang and Universiti Sains Malaysia, spanning from 2019 to 2020. Participants aged between 8 and 15 years were categorized into two groups: those diagnosed with VKC and healthy children serving as the control group. Each participant completed the Quality of Life in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (QUICK) questionnaire, consisting of 16 questions, divided into two subscales: 12 questions focusing on symptoms and four questions for daily activities. A total of 240 children took part in the study, with 120 children diagnosed with VKC and another 120 in the control group. The mean age of participants with VKC was 11.21 ± 1.91 years, with a male predominance of 4:1 compared to female. Tearing (98.4%) and itchiness (98.3%) emerged as the most prevalent symptoms affecting HRQoL, while the most challenging activities were outdoor play (36.6%) and participation in recreational water activities (34.2%). The mean total score was significantly higher in the VKC group compared to the control group. Additionally, both the mean total score and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the severe type compared to the mild-moderate type. VKC significantly reduce the HRQoL among Malaysian children, and the negative impact increases with the disease severity.

Evolution and driving mechanism of multiple ecosystem services in resource-based region of Northern China

Understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics and comprehensive service capabilities of various ecosystem services is crucial for maintaining regional ecosystem security, and clarifying the driving mechanisms of ecosystem services plays a guarantee for achieving regional sustainable development. Based on the ecological issues of Shanxi Province (SXP) in China, an assessment system covering eight targeted ecosystem services were constructed to quantitatively analyze the spatio-temporal patterns and contribution rates of driving factors. The water conservation, sand fixation, environment purification and habitat quality in the Loess Hills of western SXP have improved, with significant increase in hotspots. The comprehensive service capacity of ecosystem services in the Fenwei Basin (central SXP) has deteriorated, and the coldspots have expanded. The water conservation, carbon storage, habitat quality and recreation culture in the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains (eastern SXP) were enhanced, while product supply, carbon storage and environment purification were deteriorated. Land use is the dominant influencing factor on product supply. Water and soil conservation, sand fixation, and environment purification are dominated by climate factors. Carbon storage, habitat quality and recreation culture are influenced by underlying surface conditions. The current study provided a research paradigm, which will help the government with appropriate management policies to ensure the effectiveness of ecological protection and restoration, and offers insights for facilitating ecological sustainability and economic transformation in resource-based regions worldwide.

A Review of Chitosan as a Coagulant of Health-Related Microorganisms in Water and Wastewater

The coagulation and flocculation properties of chitosan, an organic biopolymer derived from chitin, have been researched as an alternative to synthetic polymers and inorganic metal salt coagulants currently used in water and wastewater treatment. In an effort to encourage further research into the practical uses of chitosan as green chemistry in water and wastewater treatment and to promote the efficacious removal of microbial contaminants in drinking and wastewater, we have summarized the current state of research pertaining to the treatment of microorganisms in water and wastewater. A search of PubMed revealed 720 possible titles and abstracts, of which 44 full-text articles were identified as matching the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Results are presented based on the type of water matrix treated (i.e., drinking water, wastewater, and recreational waters) and a summary table providing details on the types and forms of chitosan utilized and the treatment mechanisms and processes described in the study. We find chitosan to be an effective coagulant, flocculant, and adsorbent for removing microbes from water and wastewater; some modified forms of chitosan can inactivate microbes and achieve disinfection, such as those containing metals like silver and antimicrobial chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds or other strong oxidants, and use with filtration or electrochemical processes can achieve extensive reductions in microbes to meet performance targets of the World Health Organization.

Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolates in Recreational Waters: Implications for Public Health and One Health Approach

Escherichia coli is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and is routinely used as an indicator of fecal contamination in recreational waters. While most E. coli are commensal, some can harbor pathogenic potential, posing a major public health risk. This study investigated the sources of fecal contamination in recreational waters through the characterization of E. coli isolates. Presumptive E. coli detection was performed using selective and differential media, confirmed by PCR, and followed by characterization. E. coli were detected in all studied aquatic environments, with most isolates belonging to phylogenetic groups D1 (24%, non-human mammals) and B1 (20%, birds), suggesting animals as primary contaminants sources. Among E. coli isolates, 35% were identified as diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC), with enterotoxigenic (34%) and enterohemorrhagic (26%) being the most prevalent pathotypes. Furthermore, 85% of all isolates and 86.5% of DEC isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance, with highest rates displayed in phylogenetic subgroups A1 (human and non-human mammals) and B1. This study highlights the importance of the One Health approach encompassing a human, animal, and environmental holistic health perspective to effectively manage public health strategies and ensure the safety of beachgoers.

Assessing the impact of Escherichia coli on recreational water safety using quantitative microbial risk assessment

ABSTRACT Recreational water activities have become an integral part of society for entertainment, health, and fitness. The water quality for these activities plays an integral role in the health and safety of the participants. This study aimed to monitor the presence of Escherichia coli in selected recreational water bodies, specifically rowing in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Water samples were collected (upstream, midstream, and downstream) from three recreational water sites, i.e., Klip Rivier, Wemmer Pan, and Germiston Lake, monthly from May to October 2022. The presence of E. coli was determined using the Colilert® Quanti-Tray®/2,000 (IDEXX) assay and ChromoSelect agar. Pathotypes were confirmed using a multiplex PCR. The MPN for E. coli from all the samples exceeded the recommended guidelines of <2,000 microbes/100 mL. Pathogenic E. coli was detected in all three sites, with EPEC, ETEC, EAEC being most prevalent. The E. coli isolates showed 66% ESBL resistance and 94% carbapenemase resistance. Risk assessment showed recreational activities (rowing and swimming) posed a significant health risk as exceeded the annual risk benchmark limit of 1 × 104. The results obtained provide insights into the health risk associated with recreational activities within these water bodies and highlight the need for seasonal monitoring.

Canadian beach cohort study: protocol of a prospective study to assess the burden of recreational water illness

BackgroundRecreational water activities at beaches are popular among Canadians. However, these activities can increase the risk of recreational water illnesses (RWI) among beachgoers. Few studies have been conducted in Canada to determine the risk of these illnesses. This protocol describes the methodology for a study to determine the risk and burden of RWI due to exposure to fecal pollution at beaches in Canada.MethodsThis study will use a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a prospective cohort study of beachgoers with embedded qualitative research. The cohort study involves recruiting and enrolling participants at public beaches across Canada, ascertaining their water and sand contact exposure status, then following-up after seven days to determine the incidence of acute RWI outcomes. We will test beach water samples each recruitment day for culture-based E. coli, enterococci using rapid molecular methods, and microbial source tracking biomarkers. The study started in 2023 and will continue to 2025 at beaches in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. The target enrollment is 5000 beachgoers. Multilevel logistic regression models will be fitted to examine the relationships between water and sand contact and RWI among beachgoers. We will also examine differences in risks by beachgoer age, gender, and beach location and the influence of fecal indicator bacteria and other water quality parameters on these relationships. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to examine the impact of various alternative exposure and outcome definitions on these associations. The qualitative research phase will include focus groups with beachgoers and key informant interviews to provide additional contextual insights into the study findings. The study will use an integrated knowledge translation approach.DiscussionInitial implementation of the study at two Toronto, Ontario, beaches in 2023 confirmed that recruitment is feasible and that a high completion rate (80%) can be achieved for the follow-up survey. While recall bias could be a concern for the self-reported RWI outcomes, we will examine the impact of this bias in a negative control analysis. Study findings will inform future recreational water quality guidelines, policies, and risk communication strategies in Canada.

Experiences as heuristics for geothermal public perception: Testing the correlation between thermal waters recreation and geothermal energy perception

This research focuses on the question of how geothermal energy public perception is formed within a national context where news media do not pay attention to geothermal energy, and there is no active opposition to geothermal energy. The research builds on theoretical underpinnings of heuristics in energy perceptions and highlights the importance of physical experiences and associations as sources of experiential learning. Through a survey conducted among members of the general public in Slovenia, the role of thermal water recreation in shaping public perception of geothermal energy is empirically tested. The results show that, in this context, geothermal energy is highly positively assessed compared to hydro energy and nuclear energy, and that there is a correlation between frequency of thermal recreation and certain aspects of public perception of geothermal energy. The policy implications go beyond the simple recommendation of including tourism in public awareness campaigns but point to the specific vulnerability of energy acceptance in this context, where perceptions are formed based on “thinking fast”, and where the media and the public discourse on geothermal energy have not (yet) considered the potential risks and opposition to geothermal projects.

In treacherous waters: detection of colistin-resistant bacteria in water and plastic litter from a recreational estuary.

Colistin resistance poses a major therapeutic challenge and resistant strains have now been reported worldwide. However, the occurrence of such bacteria in aquatic environments is considerably less understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize colistin-resistant strains from water and plastic litter collected in an urban recreational estuary. Altogether, 64 strains with acquired colistin resistance were identified, mainly Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp. From these, 40.6% were positive for at least one mcr variant (1-9), 26.5% harbored, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, 23.4% harbored, sulfonamide resistance genes, and 9.3% harbored, quinolone resistance genes. merA, encoding mercury resistance, was detected in 10.5% of these strains, most of which were also strong biofilm producers. The minimum inhibitory concentration toward colistin was determined for the mcr-positive strains and ranged from 2 to≥512µg ml-1. Our findings suggest that Gram-negative bacteria highly resistant to a last-resort antimicrobial can be found in recreational waters and plastic litter, thereby evidencing the urgency of the One Health approach to mitigate the antimicrobial resistance crisis.

Managing cyanobacterial blooms in recreational waters: decision support tools for public health responses

Freshwater blooms of cyanobacteria present a challenge to those tasked with managing beaches during bathing season, both to ensure the protection of public health, and to avoid lengthy beach closures. The combined effects of climate change and environmental pollution could cause blooms to become more frequent, intense, and persistent in the future in some locations, necessitating regularly review and update of response protocols. Decision support tools are used to help manage bloom events and inform responses. These can advise on the triggers for inspection, testing, posting of advisories, closing of beaches, and when to rescind advisories and reopen beaches. The aim of this paper was to present an overview of approaches and decision support tools used to inform public health responses to cyanobacterial blooms. During bathing season in Canada, most bloom monitoring is reactive, with a limited coverage of proactive monitoring, except at priority beaches. Responses to blooms vary widely, but many are informed by decision protocols or flow charts using visual inspection and single-level indicators, or alert level frameworks using multiple indicators and alert levels. The only health-based indicators used in any system are cyanotoxins, but capacity for frequent testing is often limited. Approaches to rescinding advisories also vary in the types of indicators and length of time used to determine when it is safe to resume recreational activities. This can vary from days to weeks, with some jurisdictions taking more precautionary approaches. Responsible authorities must balance public health protection with available resources for testing and monitoring with public acceptance of extended beach closures. With the prospect of more frequent and pervasive blooms in the future, there will be a need to allocate scare resources efficiently, which may require regular review and update of response protocols. Adapting approaches may require using a range of more accessible indicators alongside local knowledge, site history, and new tools to inform site-specific responses.

Assessing Ecosystem Services through a multimethodological approach based on multicriteria analysis and cost-benefits analysis: A case study in Turin (Italy)

Ecosystem Services (ESs) are benefits that humans derive from nature, including climate regulation, air and water purification, soil formation, and recreation. Currently, ESs are at the center of green city policies tackling sustainability challenges. Traditionally, ESs have been assessed using monetary estimations, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). These methods are useful for integrating environmental aspects in land use planning but have practical limitations since they focus on analyzing biophysical values and economic benefits. Due to the value pluralism of the ESs concept, intangible/extra-economic elements and the plurality of perspectives of the different stakeholders involved need to be included. Within this context, Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) allows the consideration of multiple problem dimensions and accommodates value pluralism. Based on these premises and limitations, the present paper proposes the integration of CBA and MCDA to evaluate alternative project solutions for green roof installation. The multidimensional outputs from CBA and MCDA are combined in a common aggregation procedure called COSIMA. Starting from a real case in Turin (Northern Italy), this article illustrates the application of COSIMA from the point of view of the best trade-off on the preferences of users and investors. The study results show the suitability of COSIMA for integrating all ESs values (i.e., biophysical, sociocultural, and economic) in urban governance processes.

Antimicrobial resistance characterization of Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus hirae isolated from marine coastal recreational waters in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Coastal water quality is facing increasing threats due to human activities. Their contamination by sewage discharges poses significant risks to the environment and public health. We aimed to investigate the presence of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus in beach waters. Over a 10-month period, samples were collected from four beaches in the State of São Paulo (Brazil). Enterococcus isolates underwent matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and molecular analysis for accurate genus and species identification. The antimicrobial susceptibility for 14 antibiotics was evaluated using the disc diffusion method followed by a multidrug-resistance (MDR) classification. PCR amplification method was used to detect antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Our findings revealed the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium and E. hirae. Out of 130 isolates, 118 were resistant to multiple antibiotics. The detection of resistance genes provided evidence of the potential transfer of antibiotic resistance within the environment. Our findings underscore the necessity for continuous research and surveillance to enhance understanding of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of Enterococcus, which is crucial to implement effective measures to preserve the integrity of coastal ecosystems.