The Argentine Federal Police raided the Aquarium of Mar del Plata this Wednesday as part of an investigation into environmental pollution.
Authorities took samples of discharges detected into the sewer network and the Argentine Sea, which could violate the Hazardous Waste Law.
The operation was carried out under the order of the Court of Guarantees No. 1 of Mar del Plata.
It also involved the participation of Sanitary Works and the provincial Water Authority.
Although the Aquarium closed its doors to the public in March 2025, it continues to operate for the care of the animals that remain on the premises.
Contaminant discharges from the Aquarium into the ocean detected
During the raid, officers from the Federal Operational Unit Division and the Environmental Crimes Division identified various suspicious pipes.
Apparently, these were discharging waste into the Sanitary Works sewer and directly into the Argentine Sea.
According to the investigation led by prosecutor Carlos Martínez, these discharges contain organic matter and other compounds yet to be determined, resulting from the activities carried out by the Aquarium.
Authorities indicated that these liquids could contaminate and be hazardous to the health of both the water and the environment and population.
The investigation and those involved in the pollution case
The Research Area and Simple Case Litigation is investigating the company responsible for the premises and its current directors, who were administrators of the site.
Assistant prosecutors Agustín Roldán and Victoria Piro were involved in the case, which began after a complaint received in the Initial Attention Area.
The investigation seeks to determine if there was a violation of the Law 24.051 on Hazardous Waste, a regulation that governs the management and disposal of polluting substances.
The case was transferred to the Research Area and Simple Case Litigation of the Mar del Plata Fiscal Unit, led by general prosecutor Daniel Eduardo Adler.
Current situation of the Aquarium
The marine park “Aquarium” suspended its activities to the public in March of this year, but maintains staff for the care of the animals that still reside in the facilities.
This situation raises questions about the environmental management of the premises during the transition period and closure to the public.
The measures ordered by the prosecutor’s office included:
- Sampling of detected discharges
- Verification of discharges into the sewer network
- Verification of direct discharges into the Argentine Sea
- Analysis of the composition of contaminant liquids
The results of the samples taken during the raid will be key to determining the level of contamination and possible legal consequences for those responsible for the marine park.
The investigation continues while awaiting laboratory analyses that will confirm the presence and concentration of hazardous substances in the detected discharges.
This case highlights the importance of environmental oversight in establishments that handle large volumes of water and organic waste, especially those located in coastal areas.
