15 May 2013 Last updated at 06:25 ET

Nearly a quarter of blue flag beaches in Wales have lost their status after a wet 2012 affected water quality.

Thirty three, instead of 43, beaches have won the international award, alongside five marinas.

This year judging has used stricter criteria for water quality meaning some beaches around Wales could not apply.

The very wet 2012 meant more bacteria has been found, but the overall standard of Welsh beaches remains high, says Natural Resources Wales.

The blue flag award is issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which rates beaches on categories including safety, facilities, and environmental management, as well as water quality

More stringent revised European bathing water standards were applied for the first time meaning beaches had to reach a level almost twice as strict as before.

Emyr Roberts, chief executive of Natural Resources Wales, said: "We all know that the record rainfall has an impact on water quality last year, but what is encouraging is that despite this and the higher standards introduced, 90% of beaches are projected to be classed as good and 68% as excellent in 2015."

Wednesday also marks the start of the bathing water season during which teams from Natural Resources Wales will collect 2,000 samples over the season from 100 designated beaches.

"As a result of the work we are doing to improve water quality and hopefully, with better weather this summer, more people will have an opportunity to enjoy the clean water and fantastic beaches we have in Wales," said Mr Roberts.

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Fewer beaches win blue flag status