Beaches in Sanur, Serangan and Padang Galak have been badly polluted by manmade waste, according to the Environment Department, threatening coral reefs and other aquatic life.

Damage to coral reefs in these areas had become “alarming,” the department’s Nyoman Pujana told a workshop on coral reefs in Denpasar this week.

“Plastic rubbish, the dumping of oil-based waste and other rubbish thrown into the sea severely threatens the underwater habitat, he said, urging local governments and the people to clean up the areas.