COLE BAY--Nature Foundation has issued a warning for potential large amounts of Sargasso seaweed washing ashore on beaches, resulting in a situation similar to the events of 2011 to 2012 and 2014 to 2015, when beaches were closed due to the influx of the weed.
The warning is based on satellite data and communication with conservation management organizations in the Caribbean.
Nature Foundation will continue to monitor the seaweed and notify authorities if there is an imminent risk of a large influx here.
“We have been receiving updates from satellites and pilots in the area as well as from conservation organizations with whom we work closely that there is again a potential for Sargasso seaweed causing problems for the region,” said Tadzio Bervoets of Nature Foundation.
St. Maarten and other islands in the region had to deal with a large influx of the seaweed resulting in beaches being closed last year. On some islands, harbours were affected.
“We are keeping a close eye on ocean currents and prevailing winds and we hope that the majority of the Sargasso will stay away from the local area but we wanted to give a head’s up in any case,” said Bervoets.
Sargasso seaweed has plagued the Caribbean over recent years. Nature Foundation has had to warn swimmers in Guana Bay and other beaches due to the large amount of the weed. Many beach front residences and hotels have had to continuously clean seaweed that comes ashore.
Nature Foundation is in close contact with experts in the region in developing an early warning system to caution residents and governments in the region of the possible influx of Sargasso seaweed.
