Interesting article about the sargassum in Nat Geo

[jbrinkm]

I won't link it here because it is behind a paywall (although everyone should be able to see a few free articles each month if you want to go find it yourself!)

In National Geographic this month -

Title: Can science solve the seaweed problem on Mexican beaches? A macroalgae called sargassum is spoiling coastlines from Cancún to Tulum. Here’s how researchers and resorts are combating the noxious bloom.

 

The article explains what it is, how much of a problem it is for the tourist industry in Mexico, and points out how much it is costing resorts to try to manage it. The Mexican Navy has been enlisted to help with it!

 

Paragraph explaining cause for increase:

"For now, according to scientists, the only way to stop the sargassum would need to begin upstream, says Rodríguez-Martínez. “Countries need to reduce the nutrients dumped into the sea and take actions to mitigate climate change.” But with Brazil continuing to convert rainforests into fertilizer-demanding farms, the blooms may be here to stay."

 

The article goes on to share some research projects that are ongoing that could use the sargassum for some beneficial purpose, like fertilizer, as a substitute for plastic to make certain items, or soap. 

[Sea-Bos]

On 1/29/2023 at 8:56 AM, jbrinkm said:

I won't link it here because it is behind a paywall (although everyone should be able to see a few free articles each month if you want to go find it yourself!)

In National Geographic this month -

Title: Can science solve the seaweed problem on Mexican beaches? A macroalgae called sargassum is spoiling coastlines from Cancún to Tulum. Here’s how researchers and resorts are combating the noxious bloom.

 

The article explains what it is, how much of a problem it is for the tourist industry in Mexico, and points out how much it is costing resorts to try to manage it. The Mexican Navy has been enlisted to help with it!

 

Paragraph explaining cause for increase:

"For now, according to scientists, the only way to stop the sargassum would need to begin upstream, says Rodríguez-Martínez. “Countries need to reduce the nutrients dumped into the sea and take actions to mitigate climate change.” But with Brazil continuing to convert rainforests into fertilizer-demanding farms, the blooms may be here to stay."

 

The article goes on to share some research projects that are ongoing that could use the sargassum for some beneficial purpose, like fertilizer, as a substitute for plastic to make certain items, or soap. 

Thank you for the information.  Now we just hope that it won't hit all of the Southern Caribbean islands we are going.  But if it does, we will still have fun. 🙂

 

[bguppies]

On 3/14/2023 at 2:23 PM, Sea-Bos said:

Thank you for the information.  Now we just hope that it won't hit all of the Southern Caribbean islands we are going.  But if it does, we will still have fun. 🙂

 

I'm pretty sure its a Mexican Riviera problem, niot a Caribbean problem.

[c-leg5]

2 hours ago, bguppies said:

I'm pretty sure its a Mexican Riviera problem, niot a Caribbean problem.

Mexican Riviera is the west cost of Mexico - Cabo etc.

 

The above article doesn’t sound  like it explains anything new and recent years have been bad but it does vary.
 

There is a huge wave coming in currently which will supposedly cause problems for parts of Florida but it is definitely a Caribbean problem affecting many islands from north to south and main coast areas, predominantly east coasts of islands, but winds and currents can bring it to other areas at times.

 

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by c-leg5

[lifes-a-beach]

https://thehill.com/homenews/3896298-giant-seaweed-blob-twice-the-width-of-the-us-takes-aim-at-florida/

 

Of course, we'll be on an 8 night to Florida in August.

[bguppies]

Just saw a report on the Today Show, I believe Wednesday morning talking about the threat to Florida.

 

Showed a Satelitte shot and the Sargassum "blob" stretched from The South American coast all the way to Key West. 

Pretty wide blob too.

 

Apparently they think that the Brazillian Farmers converting their rainforst to farmland are dumping lots of fertilizer into the ocean which is feeding the Sargassum.

 

Hopefully they can definitively ascertain if that is true and find a way to put a stop to it.

[bguppies]

[bguppies]

 

Florida is gonna look like Costa Maya most days.

 

As bad as Costa Maya usually gets hit every year, I can't imagine how bad its goinna be this year.

[gdwest]

Any sighting in Costa Maya yet? We will be visiting there in two weeks.

 

Thanks!