Sargassum is a type of seaweed that grows in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been there, but in recent years, much more of it has been washing up on beaches around the world, including in Antigua. Thus, sargassum can have a number of negative effects on Antigua's beaches, including:
- Unpleasant smell: Sargassum can release a strong, rotten egg-like smell when it decomposes. This can make beaches unpleasant to visit and can deter tourists.
- Health risks: Sargassum can contain harmful bacteria and toxins. Contact with sargassum can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health problems.
- Harm to marine life: Sargassum can smother coral reefs and other marine habitats. It can also trap sea turtles and other marine animals, making it difficult for them to swim and feed.
- Economic impact: Sargassum can reduce tourism and damage fishing and other industries that rely on the ocean.
Because of this inconvenience, the Antigua and Barbuda government and local businesses are working to address the sargassum problem. They are using a variety of methods to collect and remove sargassum from beaches, including mechanical collection, manual removal, and composting. For example, Jolly Harbour Beach is meticulously maintained, with machines and personnel working daily to clean up trash and debris.
So, Hurricane Lee washed up sargassum and seagrass on Jolly Harbour Beach, but a dedicated crew at the beach uses heavy machinery to remove and dispose of these natural materials. However, the sargassum problem is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. The government and businesses are continuing to research and develop new ways to manage sargassum.
In the meantime, visitors to Antigua should be aware of the potential for sargassum on beaches and take precautions to protect their health. They should avoid contact with sargassum and wash their hands thoroughly after visiting a beach.
The recommendations for dealing with this phenomenon include avoiding beaches with heavy sargassum presence. If you find yourself on a sargassum-covered beach, refrain from touching it. After your visit, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, particularly if you've had contact with sargassum. It's important to be aware that sargassum can lead to skin irritation and respiratory issues. If you experience any health problems after visiting a sargassum-affected beach, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Antigua and Barbuda make efforts to address these challenges. In cases where the situation worsens, external support is often anticipated in response to such events. On thi other hand, following storms and hurricanes, various organizations typically provide assistance. If you wish to delve deeper into this subject, we invite you to read about Antigua and Barbuda having support in the aftermath of storm Philippe.
