Sargassum Reaches Belize City for the First Time, Raising New Coastal Concerns

For years, Belizeans have associated sargassum with the beaches of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins. Now, the problem has reached Belize City for the first time. Over the past several weeks, large amounts of sargassum have washed ashore along the coastline of Belize’s largest urban center, and have even drifted into sea-connected canals and waterways. Businesses along the waterfront are already feeling the impact. At Golden Bay Resort Hotel, Acting General Manager Samantha Pagoada noted that the seaweed was initially confined to sections of the shoreline farther from the property, but in recent weeks, the floating mats have moved closer. Residents and environmental observers are concerned about the odor, environmental damage, and potential threats to tourism and fishing. The expansion of sargassum to Belize City marks a new chapter in the country’s battle against the annual seaweed invasion.

Article source: api.follow.it | Image credit: Ambergris Today