Will the Bahamas be affected by sargassum seaweed?

Will the Bahamas be affected by sargassum seaweed? Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic are sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean and tourism is a major industry for these Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Unfortunately, sargassum can threaten this industry.

Will sargassum hit the Panhandle?

It will most likely impact south Florida, but researchers do not believe the impact will be as large along Florida panhandle beaches. They will continue to monitor and report on the movement of this mass of seaweed over the course of the summer.

Where is sargassum heading?

While the 2023 sargassum bloom isn't as large as originally expected, it will still be a major year for the algae and the lab expected it to continue increasing in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico in March. It is expected to travel west from the Caribbean Sea and become a hazard on some beaches in Florida.

Does sargassum affect cruise ships?

Sargassum, in enough quantities, can clog the intakes and prevent seawater from circulating fast enough to keep the engines from overheating.

What beaches will sargassum affect?

The presence of Sargassum occurs over large areas from the tropical Atlantic in the east, to the Gulf of Mexico in the west, approximately 5,000 kilometers from the eastern tropical Atlantic to the west off the Mexican coast in the Caribbean Sea.

Does Bahamas beaches have sargassum?

As annual sargassum blooms grow, their effects on Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic go beyond the usual tourist nuisance. The disproportionate increase of this algae is beginning to affect coastal life in general, from fishermen to visitors.

Will sargassum hit Caribbean?

It identified heavy influxes of sargassum in 2018, 2019, 2022 and early 2023. Caribbean islands most affected by sargassum seaweed in the past include beaches in Barbados, Tobago, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic and Martinique.

Which Caribbean islands are not affected by sargassum?

Palm Beach in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean It's one of the most reliable Caribbean islands without sargassum. While there are several small, boutique-sized hotels in Aruba, here are two of our favourite large resorts on Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.

Does Cocoa Beach have sargassum?

Study: Sargassum on beaches can hide notable amounts of Vibrio bacteria. COCOA BEACH, Fla. — The sight of bountiful seaweed coating parts of the shoreline of Florida's Atlantic coast is nothing new for the late spring and early summertime. What is new to researchers is what may be within the sargassum.

Do Florida beaches have sargassum?

Sargassum seaweed washing up on Florida beaches has ebbed to levels normally seen in early fall, even below normal in some areas. The once-anticipated 5,000-mile-wide bog in the Atlantic and Caribbean has rapidly — and mysteriously — disappeared.

Do resorts clean up sargassum?

Popular resort hubs, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have ramped up efforts to deter sargassum from affecting travelers. What is this? Both destinations have set up temporary barriers and hired more cleaners in an effort to attract more travelers.

What are the worst months for sargassum in the Caribbean?

The amount of sargassum seaweed in Cancun varies by season and even daily. Generally the worst months for seaweed are July and August.

Does Isla Mujeres have sargassum?

How Does Isla Mujeres Avoid The Sargassum? One of Isla Mujeres's main reasons it can keep the sargassum at bay is due to its unique location. The island is located in a spot where ocean currents aren't favorable for sargassum, which means the seaweed is then less likely to wash up on its shores.

Is there seaweed in the Caribbean beaches 2023?

It's especially important to think about in 2023. There's been a record-breaking sargassum seaweed bloom in 2023 in the Caribbean Sea. In order to help you plan your beach vacation, we've created a list of Caribbean beaches not affected by sargassum seaweed historically.

Will sargassum hit Gulf Coast?

Substantial sargassum is expected in June in both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, according to the May report from the University of South Florida. That's no surprise to beachgoers who have been seeing the smelly seaweed on Florida beaches from Pensacola to Brevard County.

What is the best beach to avoid sargassum?

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Playa Norte is a dazzling beach in the Caribbean without sargassum seaweed. This beach is a perfect white sand haven for vacationers to take a break from their busy lives.