Is there a seaweed problem in St. Maarten?

Sargassum first plagued St. Maarten in 2011 and 2012, with the St. Maarten Nature Foundation having to warn swimmers to avoid swimming on certain beaches due to the large amount of seaweed and many beachfront residences and hotels having to continuously clean washed up sargassum.



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Since 2011, 2023 still ranks in the top half of the worst sargassum seaweed seasons. With the latest data, USF researchers say in June, sargassum will likely decrease in the Gulf of Mexico, meaning beachgoers may not have such a smelly experience. The USF lab forecasts the decrease to continue through August.

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

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In Grenada, Grand Anse regularly tops the list of the world's best beaches due to its crystal clear waters and its 2 kilometre long stretch of white sand dotted with palm trees. It's also blessedly free of sargassum seaweed.

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Sargassum can collect on windward coasts in the Turks and Caicos, such as on much of South Caicos, Grand Turk, the eastern side of North Caicos, and the Ambergris Cays.

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Massive seaweed bloom is largest seen And this year's bloom is the largest on record. As of April 2023, this year's sargassum bloom is headed for the Caribbean and east coast of Florida. While some areas are already seeing the sargassum come ashore, the bulk of it is expected to arrive in June or July.

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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.

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The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water. Bottled water is inexpensive if you do not like the taste of the tap water.

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Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.

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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.

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Sargassum inundations occur mainly on the windward coast of Saint Lucia like most Eastern Caribbean Island States, with occasional landings occurring on the southwest coast.

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Sargassum is at its worst between April and August, peaking in July and August, although this year saw the seaweed arrive early, with some beaches being hit heavily in March. What is this?

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