The note from this center attached to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) explains that the high concentration of this algae poses serious risks, primarily during its decomposition, when it releases toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and exacerbation of respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies.

In addition, it harbors bacteria of the Vibrio genus, capable of causing skin and gastrointestinal infections through direct contact or ingestion of contaminated water.

According to the report, similar conditions associate with climate change generated a record arrival of sargassum in the Caribbean in 2018, a situation that could worsen in July and August if an extreme weather event, such as a tropical hurricane, does not take place.

Social media reports indicate that cleanup efforts are underway in several coastal areas of the eastern Caribbean territory, and attention is being paid to measures to prevent harm to people.

This massive invasion of sargassum, which is increasingly hitting Caribbean coasts, is suffocating marine ecosystems, driving away tourism, and jeopardizing local fishing.

As it accumulates on beaches, sargassum decomposes, generating numerous environmental, economic, and social problems; it also changes the color of the landscape.

Since 2011, a significant increase in the abundance of these algae has been observed in the Caribbean, associated with changes in sea temperature, increased nutrients from agricultural runoff, and other factors still under study.

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