“This year has been the worst year on record,” said the researcher and faculty member with Florida Sea Grant Lisa Krimsky as reported by the news agency Associated Press (AP).
Krimsky, also Water Resource Regional Specialized Agent based in southeast Florida added: “It is absolutely devastating for the region.”
This year’s numbers have been considered by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab as “a new historical record” in a report recently published.
Oceanography professor Chuanmin Hu said that according to the data analyzed, the previous record was noted in May 2018 and this year the sargassum levels were higher by 20%. The professor confessed his reaction: “I was scared.”
What Travelers Should Know About Sargassum
The large brown seaweed is considered harmless to humans but gives off an unpleasant smell —similar to rotten eggs— when it decomposes, covers beautiful sands and pristine waters, and can affect the local ecosystem.
Some people have reported rashes and blisters after being in contact with this seaweed. According to Florida Health’s report, this is caused by sea creatures that live within this algae. So, it’s better to avoid contact with it.
The sargassum creates island-like masses in the ocean that help animals migrate and has an important role in our ecosystem, but it gives off hydrogen sulfide that can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose. Travelers with asthma or other breathing illnesses might be more affected or could have trouble breathing after being exposed to it.
These are general recommendations when visiting a beach with sargassum:
- Avoid touching it.
- Use gloves if you have to handle it.
- Close doors and windows if you are staying near beaches or coasts with sargassum.
- Avoid the beach or staying for too long if you have asthma or respiratory problems.
- Do not cook it or eat it. It is not edible, it can contain metals like arsenic and cadmium.
Another strategy for travelers is to plan their Caribbean vacations during times when they can avoid these algae or consider locations where it doesn’t usually sit.
The best times to visit the Caribbean are between November and March, sargassum’s peak season is usually between May and September.
Top Destinations Dealing With Sargassum
International organizations, including the United Nations, are studying the sargassum, trying to understand why it keeps growing, and working on the best solutions.
Also, different local companies are turning sargassum into new products —from gas to cosmetic products to vegan leather— to use its excess and turn it into innovative solutions.
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