Belize Seaweed Mystery

Belize has been dealing with the influx of seaweed, specifically sargassum, which has been plaguing its coastlines and tourism industry. The seaweed, known for its unpleasant rotten egg' stench, has been a concern for the country's regional countries. While sargassum is integral to marine life, the large amounts that have invaded Belize's shores have impacted one of its biggest sources of income: tourism. The seaweed's odour, along with the piles washing up onshore, has deterred visitors, affecting beachside hotels and restaurants.

However, seaweed in Belize is also cultivated and consumed as a nutritious food and ingredient in smoothies, shakes, and even industrial food processing. The Placencia Producers Cooperative in Belize leads a seaweed-growing initiative, farming two types of red seaweed, Eucheuma and Gracilaria, using sustainable practices. Seaweed is also used in medicine, cosmetics, biofuels, and fertilisers.

Sargassum seaweed's impact on Belize's tourism industry

Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed-like algae that has been plaguing the coastlines of Belize and other countries in the region. In recent years, large influxes of sargassum have washed up on the beaches of Belize, causing a strong blow to the country's tourism industry, which is a driving force of the economy. The seaweed is accompanied by a very unpleasant 'rotten egg' stench as it decomposes, and its presence can deter tourists from visiting the country.

Where does it come from?

Originally, it was believed that the seaweed came from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic. However, satellite imagery in 2015 showed that it was actually blooming off the coast of Brazil, stretching all the way to Africa and then being pushed by currents into the Caribbean.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has been proactive in dealing with the influx of sargassum, providing tax relief to affected coastal hotels and supporting municipalities in beach clean-up efforts. The BTB has also formed a Sargassum Task Force (STF) comprising key stakeholders from the private and public sectors to address the issue.

The STF has developed a local forecasting mechanism to support weekly and daily Sargassum forecasts for the country and continues to improve its accuracy with support from regional Satellite Models.

To physically remove the sargassum, manual labour and light machinery are used to minimise the impact on the integrity of the beach and marine life. However, this is hard work and can leave beaches vulnerable to erosion.

Other potential solutions that are being explored include turning sargassum into animal feed, bioplastics, lotions, and building materials, as well as using booms (containment barriers) to deflect the algae away from the shores.

While there is currently no easy solution to the sargassum problem, the community and beach crews in Belize are working hard to clean up their beaches and welcome visitors back to the country.

Seaweed's health benefits and aphrodisiac effects

Seaweed has been hailed as a "sex life saviour" due to its ability to boost libido in both men and women. It is a rich source of zinc, which is essential for the production of testosterone, the primary sex hormone. Additionally, seaweed is a natural source of iodine, which plays a crucial role in thyroid function. Iodine deficiency can lead to low energy and low libido.

Seaweeds are also touted for their health benefits, offering a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are especially rich in vitamin K and are a good source of protein and fibre, though serving sizes are usually not large enough to be a significant source of these nutrients.

• Improves thyroid function: The thyroid gland helps regulate many bodily functions, and iodine is essential for it to produce hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, characterised by symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
• Improves gut health: Seaweed contains prebiotics, which are fibres that feed the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. It also contains sugars that boost the growth of good bacteria and increase the level of short-term fatty acids, promoting a healthy gut lining.
• Improves heart health: Early studies suggest a link between seaweed consumption and a lower risk of heart disease. Seaweed contains polyphenols, which may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Stabilises blood sugar levels: Seaweed contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels, including plant chemicals called polyphenols and an antioxidant called fucoxanthin.
• Boosts immune health: Seaweed contains antioxidants and prebiotics that contribute to a healthy immune system.
• Reduces cancer risk: Fucoidan, a carbohydrate found in brown seaweed, has been found to have anti-cancer properties in early studies. Other components of seaweed, such as folic acid and polyphenols, are also believed to offer protection against cancer.

However, it is important to note that consuming too much seaweed can have negative effects. Excessive iodine intake can lead to hyperthyroidism, and the accumulation of heavy metals in seaweed may pose health risks over time. It is recommended to consume seaweed in moderation and to choose organic and high-quality sources.

Seaweed's use in food and drink

Seaweed is deeply ingrained in Belizean food and drink culture. Seaweed shakes, smoothies, and punches are common in Belize and are considered a part of Belizean cuisine. The drinks are often made with various ingredients, including milk, peanut, vanilla, coconut, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and even a shot of rum or brandy. The seaweed used in these drinks is usually the red algae Eucheuma isiforme, which is also used in sushi rolls.

The tradition of using seaweed in drinks likely originated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where Irish Moss (Chondrus Crispus), another type of red algae, has been used for centuries. Seaweed is also used in industrial food processing as a thickening agent due to its water-soluble gums, such as alginates and carrageenan.

In addition to its use in drinks, seaweed is also consumed in Belize as a food. The red algae Eucheuma isiforme and Gracilaria sp. are used in the preparation of puddings and are simply called "seaweed" in Belize.

Seaweeds are also valued for their health benefits in Belize. They are believed to enhance sexual performance, stamina, and reproductive health, often referred to as "good fi di back" in Belizean Creole. They are also a good source of protein, dietary fibre, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium.

Seaweed's industrial applications

Seaweed is a versatile product with a wide range of industrial applications. Here are some of the ways in which seaweed is used in various industries:

Food and Beverage Industry

Seaweed is commonly used in the food and beverage industry as a thickening agent and emulsifier. The thickening properties of seaweed come from water-soluble gums, particularly alginates and carrageenan, which are types of hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids derived from seaweed are used to add texture and viscosity to various food products, including yogurts, ice cream, sauces, and beverages. Seaweed is also used as a natural food preservative, extending the shelf life of products. Additionally, seaweed is a nutritious food source, providing protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is often used in smoothies, shakes, and other beverages, either as a key ingredient or as a nutritional supplement.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry

The cosmetic and personal care industry utilizes seaweed as an ingredient in various products, including shampoos, creams, lotions, and other skincare and hair care formulations. Seaweed-derived hydrocolloids, such as alginate and carrageenan, are added to cosmetic products to improve their moisture retention properties and enhance skin feel. Seaweed is also used in thalassotherapy, a spa treatment that involves applying seaweed pastes to the body and warming them under infrared radiation, which is believed to provide relief for rheumatism and osteoporosis.

Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries value seaweed for its biologically active compounds, including phlorotannins, carotenoids, alginic acid, fucoidan, and peptides. These compounds are being studied for their potential health benefits, including the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer, inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. Seaweed-derived products are also used as nutritional supplements and functional ingredients in food formulations.

Agriculture and Fertilizer Industry

Seaweed has been used as a fertilizer for centuries, particularly in coastal regions. It can be applied directly to plants or watered into the soil, and has been shown to improve plant growth and health. Liquid seaweed extracts are also gaining popularity in organic farming and vegetable production. Additionally, seaweed is used as an animal feed additive, providing nutrients to livestock and improving the quality of meat and dairy products.

Energy and Biofuel Industry

Seaweed is being explored as a source of renewable energy and biofuel. The anaerobic digestion of seaweed deposits can produce energy-rich methane. Additionally, seaweed cultivation does not require freshwater, making it a promising alternative crop for regions facing water scarcity.

Other Applications

Seaweed also has various other industrial applications. For example, it is used in the production of paints and chemicals. It is also a source of agar, a gelling agent used in scientific research and microbiology. The carrageenan extracted from seaweed is used in the production of paper and other paper products.

Sustainable seaweed farming practices

Seaweed farming is one of the most sustainable types of aquaculture. It has been used for food, medicine, fertiliser, and raw material in industrial production. Seaweed is also one of the few foods that contain all the essential amino acids. It is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin K, calcium, and copper, and has aphrodisiac effects.

• Biosecurity: Implement biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, especially with the introduction of non-native species.
• Pathogen identification and reporting: Develop clear international policies and regulations for pathogen identification and reporting, such as a list of notifiable pathogens and a clear reporting system for outbreaks.
• Seed banks and nurseries: Establish seed banks and biosecure nurseries to support the diversification of cultured varieties and reduce the dependence on imports.
• Genetic diversity: Conserve genetic diversity in wild stocks by encouraging no-take zones, preventing the introduction of non-indigenous species, and developing indigenous strains/varieties for commercial cultivation.
• Risk assessment: Advance assessment tools to balance the environmental risks and benefits of seaweed production and enable risk-based analysis of management options.
• Integration with other aquaculture species: Integrate seaweed with other fed-aquaculture species to reduce eutrophication, enable economic diversification, and minimise potential conflicts over resource use.
• Long-term investment: Channel support for long-term investment in promoting the beneficial aspects of the industry, such as through innovative finance schemes that incentivise producers to adopt sustainable practices.
• Regional seaweed research networks: Establish a network of regional seaweed research networks to develop and ensure the implementation of industry-wide standards for both large- and small-scale producers.
• Carbon sequestration: Seaweed farming can contribute to carbon sequestration and the production of biomass for biofuel, bioplastic, and livestock feed.

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