Leslie Massey
Sargassum seaweed is a concern shared among countries in the Caribbean region, including Belize, and has been plaguing coastlines and tourism in recent years. Sargassum is a brown algae that floats in sometimes mile-long clumps and is accompanied by a very unpleasant 'rotten egg' stench when washed on the beach. While it is integral to the homes of marine life, piles of sargassum have invaded the shores of Belize, causing a blow to the country's tourism industry.
Sargassum is not known to be extremely harmful to humans, but its odour, along with the piles of seaweed washing up onshore, are a direct threat to tourism. Visitors do not want to be near the sight and smell of the sargassum, nor do they want to be unable to swim in the sea without getting caught up in it.
The seaweed tends to appear more in the summer months and subsides in the winter when the oceans are cooler. It mostly affects the eastern side of land masses, so in Belize, it can be worse on the mainland. If you visit the islands of Belize, you will find some seaweed on the east side of the islands and none on the west.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seaweed type | Sargassum |
| Seaweed colour | Brown |
| Seasonality | Summer |
| Affected areas | Eastern side of land masses |
| Smell | Sulfuric rotten egg |
What You'll Learn
Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed-like algae
Sargassum is a genus of brown macroalgae (seaweed) in the order Fucales of the Phaeophyceae class. It is widely distributed throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world, generally inhabiting shallow waters and coral reefs. While most species within the class Phaeophyceae are predominantly cold-water organisms, Sargassum appears to be an exception.
Sargassum is an important seaweed that is excessively distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a significant component of the ocean's ecosystem, providing food, refuge, and breeding grounds for a variety of animals, such as fish, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, shrimp, and more. Some species, like the sargassum fish, spend their entire lives in this habitat.
The Sargasso Sea, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, miles away from any land, is where Sargassum flourishes. This "sea" is surrounded and controlled by various currents, winds, and weather patterns. It has been dubbed "the golden rainforest of the ocean" due to the colour of the plants and the diverse life it shelters. The Sargasso Sea is a critical habitat and feeding ground for a variety of sea life, including juvenile sea turtles, eels, swordfish, sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
While Sargassum plays a vital role in the health and biodiversity of open ocean ecosystems, it can also cause problems when excessive amounts wash ashore. In recent years, Caribbean islands, the Mexican Caribbean, Florida, the Gulf Coast, and even the west coast of Africa have experienced significant Sargassum inundation events, where large amounts of the algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events can harm coastal ecosystems, deter tourists, and pose risks to public health.
In Belize, Sargassum has become a pressing issue, with residents and business owners scrambling for solutions. The algae can clog the shoreline, decompose and produce unpleasant odours, attract insects, and harm local fish populations. To address this challenge, manual labour, machinery, and even the Mexican Navy have been deployed to collect and remove Sargassum before it reaches the shore.
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It's a natural phenomenon
Sargassum is a natural phenomenon that has been a problem throughout the Caribbean since 2015. It is a brown seaweed filled with oxygen, which makes it buoyant, and it clumps together in huge masses before washing up on beaches. Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed-like algae that grows and propagates on top of the water using little air-filled "berries" so that it floats. It is common on shorelines throughout the tropics and is integral to the homes of marine life.
The Sargasso Sea, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is surrounded and controlled by various currents, the winds, and the weather. The "sea" has been called "the golden rainforest of the ocean" due to the colour of the plants and the amazing diversity of sea life it shelters. The sargassum provides food and shelter for young turtles, seahorses, snails, swordfish, and countless other sea life, as well as a haven for sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
The seaweed is not known to be extremely harmful to humans, but it does have a very unpleasant 'rotten egg' stench when washed on the beach. This odor, along with the piles of sargassum washing up onshore, are a direct threat to Belize's tourism industry. Visitors do not want to be near the sight and smell of the sargassum, nor do they want to be unable to swim in the sea without getting caught up in the seaweed.
Belize has been proactive in dealing with the influx of sargassum, conducting many projects and assisting properties that have been affected by the phenomenon. The government of Belize has teamed up with local hoteliers and islanders to create a task force to combat the problem. The more permanent solution appears to be to collect the seaweed before it hits the shore. From there, boats can collect the sargassum from the sea and place it on barges.
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It's integral to marine life
Seaweed is integral to marine life in a variety of ways.
Firstly, it is a primary source of food for a variety of marine creatures, including turtles, eels, fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, and seabirds. In addition, seaweed provides shelter for young turtles, seahorses, snails, and swordfish.
Secondly, seaweed is a vital part of the marine ecosystem. It produces oxygen through photosynthesis, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In fact, seaweed and microalgae are thought to produce over half of the Earth's oxygen.
Thirdly, seaweed plays an important role in the economy of coastal communities. Seaweed farming can provide a sustainable and profitable source of income for people in these communities, beyond fishing or tourism. Seaweed is also used as animal feed and fertiliser, and is an important source of nutrients for humans, including fibre, iodine, and vitamin K.
Finally, seaweed can be used to combat beach erosion. Its free-floating rafts can form vast mats that protect the coastline.
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It's not harmful to humans
Seaweed is not harmful to humans. In fact, it has many health benefits. It is highly nutritious, containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It may help with thyroid function, diabetes, gut health, weight loss, and heart health.
Seaweed is a good source of iodine, which is necessary for thyroid function. However, it is possible to consume too much iodine, which can cause hyperthyroidism. Seaweed also contains heavy metals, but the amounts are usually not toxic.
Seaweed is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. It can be eaten dried, roasted, or used as a topping. It can also be added to soups and salads.
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It's used in food and drink
Seaweed is used in a variety of dishes, including sushi, soups, stews, salads, and smoothies. Seaweed is also used in milkshakes, and in Belize, it is used in a traditional milkshake called seaweed shake. Seaweed is also used in cosmetics and as a gelling agent.
Seaweeds are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Seaweed is also an excellent source of iodine, which is important for thyroid health. Seaweed is also rich in vitamins A, B1, B12, C, D, and E, as well as riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. Seaweed is also a good source of omega-3 fats and vitamin B12.
In addition to its nutritional value, seaweed also has many health benefits. Seaweed has been linked to improved gut health, heart health, and blood sugar control. Seaweed also has anti-cancer properties and can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Seaweed is also used as a natural antibiotic, anticoagulant, and antiviral agent. Seaweed is also used to treat and prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
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Frequently asked questions
Seaweed, or sargassum, is a year-round phenomenon in Belize, but it tends to be more prevalent in the summer months and less so in the winter.
Sargassum is not known to be extremely harmful to humans, but it does have a very unpleasant smell as it decomposes.
The seaweed in Belize floats in from the sea. It is believed to originate from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic, but some sources suggest that it may come from the coast of Brazil.
The Belizean government has teamed up with local hoteliers and islanders to create a task force to combat the problem. They are using manual labour and light machinery to remove the seaweed from the water and beaches, and are also exploring more permanent solutions such as installing barriers in the ocean to collect the seaweed before it hits the shore.
Tourism is a driving force in Belize's economy, and the seaweed has impacted this industry significantly. Beachside hotels and restaurants are the primary establishments facing the threat of sargassum head-on, with many travel plans being derailed or canceled due to concerns about the seaweed.
