Sargassum seaweed sightings increase in the Caribbean, warns marine ecologist

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Sargassum seaweed sightings increase in the Caribbean, warns marine ecologist.

Antiguan Marine Ecologist Ruleo Camacho alerts to the growing presence of Sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean, with indications of this trend continuing.

Camacho’s report, covering the first quarter of the year, cites data from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab, which monitors Sargassum blooms via satellite imagery.

Their findings reveal a rise to 9 million metric tons in February, the second-highest amount recorded. However, March saw a decrease to around 6.5 million metric tons, potentially influenced by cloud cover in the Western Atlantic affecting estimation accuracy.

Despite this decline from February, which echoes patterns from 2018’s record Sargassum levels, Camacho notes that March 2024’s observed amount surpasses 75% of all previous years. This signals a worsening and more frequent presence of Sargassum in the region.

Camacho emphasizes the ongoing impact on the Eastern Caribbean due to significant Sargassum amounts in the Atlantic and its westward drift. He urges proactive, non-destructive mitigation strategies by stakeholders to address the issue.

While efforts are underway, Camacho cautions that without effective practices to minimize Sargassum’s harm, both the environment and human well-being will continue to suffer.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for citing data from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab.
    What are the mitigation measures to be taken by Government or the public?
    Just citing reports are meaningless when it’s not caused by individual or group action.

    • @Dwaine Frazier…
      A couple of things…
      1…it’s been reported, that a European[German if my memory serves me correctly] Company is or was shipping some of what, the locals and possibly government collect, to continue research on its uses from biofuel to agricultural uses!

      2…In St. Lucia, they’re using it as an organic fertilizer, plus other research projects!
      I do get the. Odors which it puts out once it leaves the seawater; however, in regards to Antigua, it can also be used to control the Giant African Snail and possibly other animals and insects which are affect by salt.
      It does break down into composted material and the odor/scent dissipates as it is combined with other compostable materials.

      I’m about doing! This first step can take it all the way through the Education to entrepreneural collaborations throughout the Caribbean, as in CARICOM.

      I have a location in Antigua which I can use to begin the first phase[s]!
      I’ve read where you highlighted, the fact, that you’re an Award_Winning Builder!

      …a tool in the hand;
      …At times, it’s like a #helping_hand!
      …hammering away, at the mind
      …to mould , and secure; those thought process
      …of, the purpose; The Tools All Ready! Already, at hand!

      Respectfully,

      Vere C. Edwards

      If interest contact me on Social Media, The_♾️_META and life is still META_Physic!

      Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
      De’Ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard

      Vere C. Edwards

      • I wanted to do bottled water: Humphrys and Marshall blocked me.
        I wanted to build workforce housing: Lester Bird and Vere Bird blocked me.
        I tried for a small boutique hotel on Barbuda: Trevor and Errol Cort blocked me.
        The moment a commercial solution to Sargassum is found, the road blocks will be in place until you take on a Nepo Baby partner fronting for the men in charge.
        It’s those experiences that bring me to these pages. Hoping my input will have an effect.
        Not even interested in centrally located family property in Liberta anymore

        • @Dwaine Frazier…😆😆laugher is still great for the soul. I am laughing with you, not at you, since, I can relate to some of what you’ve described as, being #blocked!

          …they #blocked you here!
          ..they, blocked you there!
          …they, keep blocking you everywhere!
          …but, here! Hear! Here!
          …you’re still here!
          ..and, I know it’s not because of fear!
          …as seen, through the eyes of a deer!
          …caught in a beam of light!
          …and, might have temporarily lost its sight!
          …I know, that you still know how to fight!
          …fight for, for your inherent right!
          …so, to you Mr. Dwayne Frazier!
          …you’d be aware of another Frazier!
          …and, not even the worlds greatest boxer!
          …could maker him surrender!
          …I’m quite sure, that you can remember!
          …the Thriller in Manila.
          …when instead of him getting stung!
          …even after, he was knocked down!
          …there was no ten count!
          …he has sprung back, to his feet!
          …and, whopped Ali like he was a slab of meat!
          …hanging on a hook! In a deep freezer!
          …cold and frozen! But, that did not deter, ….Smoking_Joe_Fraizer!

          I hear you!
          I’m an optimist!

          RASpect….

          Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
          De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat Bastard

          Vere C. Edwards
          …

  2. What happened to the container of seaweed they sent to Germany for analysis to be made into something useful? What they couldn’t figure out a deal which involves fattening some minister’s pockets?

    • Hail @Opportunity…what’s one saying, regarding #opportunity; it’s “some opportunity’s only knocks once!” So, you have to make hay while the sun is shining, and don’t be eclipsed by procrastination and indecision.

      This is an #Opportunity for local entrepreneurs, outside, of the government’s clutches! Let’s just set them the Parliament and the Cabinet aside, for a while! We know, that they exist with their shenanigans. My grandmother would say about #fungee_N_pepper before, it was declared our National dish!
      “No nyam ebree_bady Fungee_N_Pepperpot. Some will #cut_U_Gut!”
      When it comes to the Semantics of Politics, and some of those #who’re serving up their version of Pepperpot, the actions of them resembles “Blood Sucking Ticks and Leeches!”
      Ironically, these are two pests, which adversely affect the Agriculture industry, and they hate #SALT(a component, of the Sargassum Sea weed). Grannie also taught me once you throw salt on such pests, they puke and die!

      Again, as I stated to @Dwayne Frazier in an earlier post, my contact info is really available for further discussions, on this OPPORTUNITY, and @opporttunity, this is Our, the People chance for ONCE, to engage in something which is bitter lemon to some and LEMONADE to others!
      Opportunity in conclusion, are you aware, that Antigua’s Government for years made money from another waste material which came across the Atlantic and landed on REDONDA by the tons. It was Bird_Poop(guana) which over centuries were deposited on said REDONDA, by migratory birds, by those stationary BIRDS who reside on Antique as HUEmans!

      RASpect…

      Hey, @Caustic_Bastard – Scott, the first phase of this venture is where, I’d put some energy into.

      Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
      De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard

      Vere C. Edwards

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