Sargassum in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Sargassum in the U.S. Virgin Islands is not something new but in the quantities that it has been arriving in is somewhat alarming.  Sargassum doesn't necessarily pose many threats and actually it is food and a safe haven for so many larval fish and organisms.  However, in large quantities like we had in 2011, 2014 and now again in 2015 there are some impacts that can have a negative influence for tourism, fisherman, and marinas.

While we were in St. Croix staying at the Divi Carina Beach Resort I felt bad for the hotel because the entire beach was unusable and all day everyday we were there a backhoe and large truck were there to gather the washed up Sargassum.  I wonder where they were taking it?  Just in a couple hours of hanging out by the pool that huge truck would leave and come back to get refilled multiple times. On the other side of the resort men would work in the hot sun using shovels to make piles of it for the backhoe to easily pick up a bunch at time.  It is no surprise that if you were to go online and look at the reviews for the resort that many people talk about how disappointed they are that they had to deal with this situation and could not use the beach.  Plus, the smell!  I am used to smelly waterways and all the like but I would have to say that there was such a stench from all of the washed up Sargassum. We could even smell it in our room it was so strong!  But none of it would ever make me blame the resort!  If you ask me the resort was doing everything and more to try to manage the situation.  I just hope that future potential customers who may stay at the resort will realize that this is all apart of being close to nature.  Luckily, this is mostly a seasonal event and the Sargassum is coming during the slow season in the Virgin Islands.

What is really interesting is that satellite data is showing that the Sargassum that we are getting here in the Virgin Islands is coming from the south, a new source of Sargassum near the mouth of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers.  Some scientists think it could be an increased load of nutrients at these areas that have allowed for the growth of this source of Sargassum.

If you are interested in this check out some of the links below.  There is also a link to the Sargassum website that discusses the different sources as well as a couple journal articles.  The last one shows the satellite data in 2011 and the increased areas of Sargassum that year compared to previous years.

Tracking Sargassum Trends

Massive Quantities of Pelagic Sargassum on the shores of San Andres Island, Southwest Caribbean

Green and Golden Seaweed Tides on the Rise

Below are my recent pictures of the Sargassum in the USVI.

Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas:

WAPA Plant, St. Thomas:

Turner Hole, Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix: