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Influx of Sargassum could continue for days or weeks

The influx of Sargassum seaweed may continue over the coming days and even weeks. Photo: Sargassum Hub
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change has released information on Sargussum to the public. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change has released information on Sargussum to the public. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
In 2023, the Virgin Islands Sargassum Adaptive Management Strategy (SAMS) was developed. Photo: Sargassum Hub
In 2023, the Virgin Islands Sargassum Adaptive Management Strategy (SAMS) was developed. Photo: Sargassum Hub
Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms Angela Burnett Penn, said 2025 is a record-breaking year for Sargassum in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Photo: LinkedIn
Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms Angela Burnett Penn, said 2025 is a record-breaking year for Sargassum in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Photo: LinkedIn
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is exploring the acquisition of specialised equipment for in-water containment and removal of Sargassum in preparation for possible influxes next year. Photo: Sargassum Hub
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is exploring the acquisition of specialised equipment for in-water containment and removal of Sargassum in preparation for possible influxes next year. Photo: Sargassum Hub
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The influx of Sargassum seaweed may continue over the coming days and even weeks, a Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change press release on Friday, August 1, 2025, has advised.

According to the Director of Environment in the ministry, Ms Angela Burnett Penn, 2025 is a record-breaking year for Sargassum in the Atlantic and Caribbean. 

Sargassum landings usually occur during the warmer months, mainly between April and August, and forecasts indicate that this is the peak of the 2025 Sargassum bloom. As such, the total Sargassum amount is expected to begin to decline this year; however, Sargassum inundation of variable degrees will continue to occur in most Caribbean nations and the Virgin Islands (VI).

14 years of Mass Sargassum in the region

Ms Burnett Penn explained that Mass Sargassum landings first occurred in the Caribbean in 2011 when a new massive bloom of Sargassum known as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt started to emerge and now spans from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. 

She said it is the largest accumulation of brown algae ever observed and results from changes in oceanic and climatic conditions, as the intensity of landings has varied from year to year.

“While Sargassum is not hazardous in the ocean, when it accumulates nearshore and onshore, it can cause unpleasant odours as it decomposes. It can also affect swimming and fishing and may pose challenges for small craft navigation,” the Director said. 

She added that Sargassum is generally not harmful to human health; however, prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide from Sargassum decomposition may cause eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea in sensitive individuals.

SAMS developed to deal with influx of seaweed

The press release added that in 2023,  with technical assistance from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) using regional best practices to deal with the influx of seaweed, the government developed the Virgin Islands Sargassum Adaptive Management Strategy (SAMS). 

It outlines several Government agencies that have a role in Sargassum management, with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change serving as lead. SAMS also identifies hotspots, indicates cleanup triggers for Sargassum and best management practices for cleanup. 

Cleanup is a costly task

The ministry has, over time, coordinated mass Sargassum cleanups in various locations. Permanent Secretary Dr. Ronald Berkeley confirmed that there are currently cleanup initiatives underway on Beef Island at Long Bay and Trellis Bay and in Handsome Bay on Virgin Gorda. Cleanup in other areas will be triggered on a case-by-case basis as limited resources allow and based on accessibility of affected areas, with priority given to high-use recreational beaches, ports and areas with critical public infrastructure such as desalination plants. 

Ms Burnett Penn indicated that the ministry is also exploring the acquisition of specialised equipment for in-water containment and removal of Sargassum in preparation for possible influxes next year. 

Partnerships from the public and private sectors are being encouraged as the Sargassum cleanup is costly. 

The public’s role

“The public is encouraged to assist with cleanup of Sargassum where landings are moderate. Permission should be sought from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change to ensure appropriate methods and protective Use of heavy equipment for cleanup of beaches is generally discouraged as it removes significant quantities of sand from beachfronts, leading to beach erosion,” the release explained. 

Residents in areas with decomposing Sargassum can limit exposure by keeping windows closed when odours are particularly strong and blow inland. 

The ministry is also advising the public to avoid swimming directly in areas with heavy Sargassum landings to avoid potential skin irritation. 

Boaters are advised to avoid sailing through thick Sargassum as it can damage propellers; they should also inspect and clean engine intakes regularly.

4 Responses to “Influx of Sargassum could continue for days or weeks”

  • Truck boii (02/08/2025, 09:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Despite the fact that it's all over the entire territory n tha it does start to stink after a while. I feel that the government needs to keep an eye when it starts to build up to much around the islands ????.
  • joe joe (02/08/2025, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Father come for your world
  • local boy (02/08/2025, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    That will continue we don't have no solution for nothing around here. You can't see.
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (02/08/2025, 14:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lots of talking, complaining, and writing about the sagassium weeds that stunk in Harbour, on beaches, and elsewhere on our shores in the B.V.I, but but enough have been or is being done curb this ongoing problem.

    Suggestions

    First all our current government Cabinet should stop wasting our limit amount of money on lesser important pleasurous activities. We should use that money to hire at least three small size (3) badges, to take on board as much as possible this seaweed, and badge, truck to the appropriate place. After two (2) to three (3) weeks burn, and monitor until consumed. In other words, we should work our talk, rather than continuing talking what we are not doing.

    Is it fair to continue having government workers employed that mostly talk about problems, but do little to help solve them?
    Doesn't this prove a lack of productive leadership by our political talk-much, but do-little, collect-much leaders. Yes, it surely does.



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