NATURAL EVENTS

Caribbean, more than 70 million tons of sargassum expected in 2023

By 2023, more than 70 million tonnes of sargassum are expected in the Caribbean. This type of floating, colony-forming seaweed is covering vast areas and moving according to ocean currents in Playa Caribe, Dominican Republic.

According to data made available on 15 June by the Dominican Republic's Minister of the Environment, Miguel Ceara Hatton, at least four of the 70 million tonnes of sargassum expected in the area will arrive in the country.

This type of seaweed, which takes its name from the Sargasso Sea, where it is particularly widespread, is brown or dark green in colour and can reach a length of many metres.

ANSA
Caribbean could be "invaded" by sargassum
By 2023, more than 70 million tonnes of sargassum are expected in the Caribbean. This kind of floating, colony-forming seaweed is covering vast areas and moving according to ocean currents in Playa Caribe, Dominican Republic.
ANSA
70 million tons of sargassum expected
According to data made available on 15 June by the Dominican Republic's Minister of the Environment, Miguel Ceara Hatton, at least four of the 70 million tonnes of sargassum expected in the area will arrive in the country.
ANSA
The characteristics of these algae
This type of algae, named after the Sargasso Sea, where it is particularly common, is brown or dark green in colour and can grow to a length of many metres.
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Causes and damages
The problem of algae, according to experts, can be traced back to global warming. On top of that, there are the problems caused to tourism, which these algae could discourage, especially in areas of the world that base their local and national economies on tourism.
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The danger to the environment
Among all the problems that these algae can cause, there are also side effects that are harmful to the environment. Sargassum, by settling on the seabed, can suffocate corals typical of Caribbean coastlines, endangering their survival. Seaweed can also make nesting of sea turtles more difficult.
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