I don’t think anyone on the island could have predicted just how much sargassum would hit our shores this year. Back in late 2018, the Belize Sargassum Task Force was formed to tackle the issue, but for a while, it seemed like little action followed. Then, two years ago, the problem “seemed” to have almost disappeared, sargassum was at its bare minimum, and many of us thought maybe, just maybe, it was going away.
Think again! This year, it’s back with a vengeance. Honestly, if it were up to me alone, I would have thrown in the towel by now; the sheer amount is overwhelming. That’s why I have so much respect for the businesses and private residents who haven’t given up and continue their cleanup efforts day after day.
Just yesterday, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) reported that 190 tons of sargassum were cleared in a single week. And that’s just their crews, we’re not even counting the private sector. In their own words: “No matter how overwhelming it gets, we keep taking out sargassum every day. We are very thankful to everyone that keeps up the struggle. Our people are at risk and our marine environment is taking a major hit. Every bit counts and we are all in this together.”
The Council has had to divert staff and resources since February, putting regular municipal services aside to focus on fast and effective sargassum removal. Right now, the island is officially under a Sargassum Emergency Phase, and there are talks that the Prime Minister might declare it a national emergency to push for stronger measures.
But some say that’s too little, too late. The San Pedro Tourist Guide Association (SPTGA) recently went public with a strong call for action, stressing that the situation is way beyond urgent. On Facebook, they posted a report addressed to the Ministry of Blue Economy, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, SPTC, the Belize Fisheries Department, CEO Beverly Wade in the Ministry of Blue Economy, and the Minister of Tourism, with the blunt headline: “DECLARE SARGASSO A NATIONAL DISASTER NOW!!”
Sargassum is a National Emergency
Their report focuses on the growing marine damages being observed at Northern Ambergris Caye—and from where I stand, it feels like the island is crying out for help. Here is the report:
“Severe marine mortality has been documented along the coastline of northern Ambergris Caye, extending to the reef at Robles Point. The event appears linked to the recent influx and decomposition of sargassum, which has discolored nearshore waters to a dense brown, reducing visibility to nearly zero, even in shallow areas just a few inches deep.
Key Observations:
- Large quantities of dead marine life, including octopus, moray eels, sea urchins, pufferfish, and multiple species of crustaceans.
- Species typically active only at night were found dead in daylight hours, indicating widespread habitat impact.
- Significant numbers of fish of varying sizes washed ashore or observed floating near the reef.
- Early signs of coral bleaching noted in multiple areas.
- Discolored, oxygen-depleted water has already reached reef zones, threatening coral structures and associated biodiversity.
Environmental Impact:
- The scale of mortality represents a major loss to reef ecosystems, with cascading effects expected across the food chain.
- Deoxygenation caused by decaying sargassum is disrupting marine habitats at an unprecedented level.
- The event is projected to have long-term consequences for marine biodiversity, fisheries, and reef health.
- Tourism and livelihoods directly dependent on a healthy reef will face immediate and future losses.
Conclusion:
This constitutes one of the most severe environmental crises recorded on Ambergris Caye in recent memory. Without rapid intervention and coordinated management, the long-lasting ecological and economic impacts may be irreversible.”
The Association says it is awaiting for their response. I believe that we can be heard even louder if we come together as an entire community to ask for help much like we did when we fought against offshore oil exploration. What do you guys say?
