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What is the problem with sargassum?

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What is the problem with sargassum?

Once on shore, sargassum piles prevent sea turtles from laying eggs and reaching the ocean. Plus, it stinks, causing headaches and nausea among beachgoers.

Is sargassum seaweed getting worse?

With more algae spotted floating out at sea, experts fear that 2022 could be as bad or worse than the catastrophic year of 2018, the biggest sargassum wave to date. Mexican authorities say the problem of foul-smelling seaweed-like algae on the country’s Caribbean coast beaches is “alarming.”

What problem is seaweed causing?

Gluts of coastal seaweed have a damaging influence on the coastal environment. In large quantities, the seaweed strips oxygen from the water, killing fish and seagrasses that offer key habitat for many species.

Is sargassum seaweed harmful to humans?

Although the seaweed itself cannot harm your health, tiny sea creatures that live in Sargassum can cause skin rashes and blisters.

How do you control sargassum?

Floating aquatic plant booms are designed to control the impact of seaweed, sargassum, algae, and other invasive marine plants protecting lakes, beaches and hotels along the shoreline. They can either be used seasonally or long-term to secure an area from aquatic plants and debris that would otherwise litter beaches.

What beaches have no sargassum?

Isla Mujeres: Caribbean beaches without sargassum Just in front of Villa del Palmar Cancun is Isla Mujeres, one of the most paradisiacal destinations in the entire Caribbean and that hasn’t been hit by the sargassum algae.

Is sargassum due to climate change?

CLIMATE CHANGE From there, currents push the seaweed around the coast of Venezuela into the Caribbean Sea and sometimes even farther north into the Gulf of Mexico. Climate change is also fueling stronger hurricanes, which at sea are pulling more nutrients up from the seabed to potentially fertilize sargassum.

Can you swim with sargassum?

Certain animals, especially dogs, are also sensitive to the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide. He further cautions to avoid swimming in Sargassum infested waters as it can lead to skin irritation.

How long does it take sargassum to decompose?

between 8-16 days
Sargassum’s decomposition cycle lasts between 8-16 days. The gas is not harmful within an open environment but one might experience the symptoms of nausea, headaches and itchy eyes.

What can you do with sargassum?

Here are some examples of the most practical and creative uses of sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean.

  • Paper products.
  • Cosmetic and skin care products.
  • Cocktail drinks.
  • Bricks for house construction.
  • Fertilizer.

How do you get rid of seaweed on the beach?

Whereas sifting beach cleaners quickly become clogged and ineffective, the SURF RAKE utilizes an enviro-friendly top-down cleaning method. Using its tine-raking technology, it first removes the sargassum seaweed from the top of the sand and then digs deeper for thorough seaweed removal.