Sargassum Seaweed Surge Threatens Trinidad’s East Coast

Trinidad’s eastern coastline, particularly in areas like Manzanilla, has been inundated with large quantities of Sargassum seaweed. This brown seaweed, stemming from massive blooms in the Atlantic Ocean, has been washing ashore in thick mats. The recent influxes surpass usual quantities, occurring more frequently and impacting coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

As the seaweed accumulates and decomposes, it consumes oxygen in the water, a process which can lead to fish and other marine life deaths. Moreover, these dense mats of seaweed block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and trap smaller marine organisms, disrupting the natural balance of coastal ecosystems and affecting local fishing activities.

Scientists across the Caribbean are raising alarms, warning that 2026 could see some of the worst Sargassum blooms yet. Early and unusually large accumulations have already been recorded, with millions of tonnes drifting across the Atlantic toward the region. This recurring environmental challenge is associated with shifting ocean conditions and climate factors.

The decomposing seaweed onshore releases gases that produce a strong, unpleasant odor. This can cause headaches or respiratory discomfort for nearby residents and negatively impacts tourism as it renders some beaches difficult to access. The growing influx of Sargassum in Manzanilla underscores an escalating environmental issue facing Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. The increasing scale of this natural phenomenon is causing tangible harm, from dead fish to disrupted livelihoods, raising grave concerns for communities and authorities.

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