Is there a seaweed problem in Belize?

According to a National Meteorological Service of Belize report, there is currently little Sargassum over the Caribbean Sea. However, an increase is expected in the coming weeks, with an overall bloom intensity similar to 2019.

How bad is the Sargassum in Belize?

Sargassum is not known to be extremely harmful to humans, not including the smell’s nuisance as it decomposes on Belize’s beaches. This odor, along with the piles of sargassum washing up onshore, are a direct threat to our tourism industry.

Is seaweed bad for beaches?

Seaweed is good for the environment, except when nutrients cause massive algal blooms. People may find the massive amounts of seaweed washing up on Florida beaches to be smelly, annoying and even unhealthy, but not much can be done about it right now.

What beaches have no seaweed?

Here, we’ve collected the best seaweed-free beaches in Mexico so you can make the most of your summer vacation.

• 01 of 10. Isla Mujeres. © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images.
• 02 of 10. Cozumel.
• 03 of 10. Isla Contoy.
• 04 of 10. Holbox.
• 05 of 10. Cancun.
• 06 of 10. Isla Blanca.
• 07 of 10. Cenotes.
• 08 of 10. Kaan Luum.

What kind of seaweed is found on Caribbean beaches?

What is sargassum? Sargassum is a brown seaweed with buoyant, oxygen-filled bladders that keep it floating on the surface of the water. It can clump together in huge masses, often miles long, and has been known to wash up on the shores of beaches along the Caribbean coast from the United States all the way to Argentina.

Which is the best beach to swim on in Belize?

And, with its crystal clear, shallow waters and seaweed-free coastline, the island is also the best beach for swimming in Belize. Caye Caulker’s slow-paced ambiance will put you in the mood for relaxing, hammock swinging and lazing on the sand.

Is there Sargassum seaweed on the beaches of Mexico?

The Mexican government and hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula have stepped up their efforts to tackle it, however, the majority of low-budget hotels and hostels do not have the means to clean their beaches on a daily basis.

What happens to seaweed when it washes up on beaches?

And once washed ashore on Mexican and Caribbean beaches, this foul-smelling, rotting seaweed goes on to devastate the tourist industry, prevent turtles from nesting and damage coastal ecosystems, while releasing hydrogen sulphide and other toxic gases as it decomposes.