Why is there so much seaweed in St. Maarten?

Why is there so much seaweed in St. Maarten? Scientists say more research is needed to determine why sargassum levels in the region are so high, but the United Nations' Caribbean Environment Program said possible factors include a rise in water temperatures as a result of climate change, and nitrogen-laden fertilizer and sewage that nourish the algae.

Is the water safe in St Maarten?

The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water. Bottled water is inexpensive if you do not like the taste of the tap water.

Which Caribbean beach has no seaweed?

Can you swim in St Maarten?

Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.

When should you avoid seaweed?

While the seaweed shows up from the Gulf of Mexico around June each year, it always piles up the most between July and August. If you're looking to schedule your trip to Key West when it's least likely to be consumed with seaweed, you'll want to make plans to arrive between October and May.

How long will the seaweed last in the Caribbean?

USF reports it remains difficult to predict exact timing and location for individual beaching events but substantial amounts of the seaweed are expected in May in both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. June is forecast to be the likely peak of the 2023 season, but impacts are expected to continue into July.

What time of year is seaweed bad in Caribbean?

In the Caribbean, seaweed season is generally May to October. The worst time for seaweed in Cancun, the Dominican Republic and much of the Caribbean is during the summer months.

Which caribbean islands are not affected by sargassum 2023?

Is there a sargassum forecast for 2023?

Since 2011, 2023 still ranks in the top half of the worst sargassum seaweed seasons. With the latest data, USF researchers say in June, sargassum will likely decrease in the Gulf of Mexico, meaning beachgoers may not have such a smelly experience. The USF lab forecasts the decrease to continue through August.

What is the sargassum problem 2023?

2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for sargassum, a type of brown macroalgae now starting to wash up on beaches across the Caribbean. The thick dead tangled heaps of seaweed stink like rotten eggs and could cost many millions in holiday revenues this summer.