San Pedro’s coastline is once again facing an all-too-familiar challenge as hoteliers and beach vendors reported earlier-than-usual sargassum landings on February 23rd. The unexpected arrival has already prompted urgent cleanup efforts and renewed planning across the tourism community as the island prepares for the months ahead.
For many businesses along the beach, timing is everything. The early wash-ins come just as visitor numbers remain strong, raising concerns that continued influxes could impact bookings, day tours, and the overall beach experience if not addressed quickly. Still, as in past years, the response from the community has been swift and proactive.
The San Pedro Town Council confirmed that sargassum season is officially underway and has called on residents, hoteliers, tour operators, and beach vendors to prepare for a full response. According to the Council, monitoring data and early landings suggest the island may be facing a busy year. The municipality has already activated Phase 2 of its Sargassum Response Plan, the response phase, focusing on coordinated cleanup, workforce expansion, and resource deployment.
Town Council Takes Measures Against Sargassum
Several measures are currently in motion. The Council is hiring both full-time and seasonal sargassum workers while maintaining a structured cleanup schedule covering priority public beach areas between the Boca del Rio Bridge and the San Pedro Library. Vehicles have been prepared for weekly transport and disposal operations, and designated deposition sites have been identified in coordination with regulatory agencies.
Beyond day-to-day cleanup, broader management efforts are also underway. The Town Council has established a dedicated Beach Management Unit to oversee beach interventions, including sargassum monitoring and mitigation. Plans are being reviewed for nearshore corrals and other containment structures, while forecasting and documentation programs aim to improve response efficiency and resource allocation.
At the same time, municipal leaders continue to lobby the national government and external partners for additional equipment, vehicles, and funding support to strengthen local capacity. Environmental voices have also pointed toward longer-term possibilities, including pilot initiatives to repurpose sargassum for compost, construction materials, or other sustainable uses. While such ideas remain part of regional discussions, the Council emphasized that immediate priorities remain cost-effective removal and shoreline management.
Sargassum Forecast by the National Meteorological Service of Belize 
Despite the early start, the mood across the island reflects a mix of concern and determination. Residents and business owners alike remember past seasons when collective action helped maintain San Pedro’s appeal, demonstrating the resilience that has long defined the community. Sargassum may be here to stay, but so is San Pedro’s ability to adapt.
As cleanup crews mobilize and partnerships strengthen, the island once again prepares to meet the challenge head-on, protecting its beaches, supporting its tourism economy, and keeping Ambergris Caye ready to welcome the world.
