Jamaica Beach Guide

Manchioneal Beach, Portland Long Bay Beach, Portland St. Margaret's Bay Beach, Portland Long Bay Beach, Portland Hope Bay Flamingo Beach Drapers Rio Bueno Prospect Salem

Sargassum

What is Sargassum?

The seaweed (Sargassum) is a type of open ocean brown algae. There are two species commonly found in the Caribbean, s. natans and s. fluitans. It is only found in the Atlantic Ocean and provides refuge for migratory species. It is free-floating seaweed and will not attach to the ocean floor; its movements depend solely on ocean currents. It is also an essential habitat for some species of fish and invertebrates and provides shelter and food to sea turtles and commercially important fish like tuna. Sargassum can also be extremely important to particular endangered and migratory species like sea turtles and whales. Additionally, Sargassum plays a role in beach nourishment and is an important element in shoreline stability, however in excessive amounts it may result in beach erosion. For further reading take a look at the "Sargassum- A Resource Guide for the Caribbean"


Two types of Sargassum species

The influx of the seaweed is believed to be related to increased accumulation in the Atlantic Ocean where nutrients are available and temperatures are high. The seaweed consolidates into large mats and is transported by ocean currents towards the Caribbean, washing up on beaches throughout the region.

As it collects and decomposes on the seashore there will be a smell, and it will also attract insects. Leaving the Sargassum on the beach has proven to be the simplest and lowest cost solution, however in instances where the seaweed is removed.

General Guideline for the removal from the beaches and shoreline

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) wishes to advise hotel/resort owners, beach operators/fishing groups that permission is granted for the removal of the accumulated Sargassum on the beaches of their respective properties. Sargassum Management Guide

Removal of accumulated Sargassum must be done in accordance with the following best practice guidelines, as follows:

Removal

  1. Removal of Sargassum is carried out manually through the use of non-intrusive methods (no heavy equipment and machinery) such as hand raking or beach raking equipment with a perforated conveyor belt; and
  2. The return of accumulated sand to the beach after raking.

Disposal of Sargassum

  1. Stockpiling at a designated location;
  2. Turn the material occasionally to encourage the drying of the material and the ultimate removal of sand;
  3. Disposal of the organic material at an appropriate off site location; and
  4. Burial on the beach where practical.
Sugarman's Beach, Hellshire, St. Catherine

Half Moon Bay, Hellshire, St. Catherine

Half Moon Bay, Hellshire, St. Catherine

Welcome Beach, Clarendon

Beach operators are advised that the use of heavy equipment such as tractors and front-end loaders for the removal of Sargassum and other accumulated debris is prohibited.

Permission should be sought from NEPA prior to the use of heavy equipment on the beach.

The Agency has been monitoring public beaches across the island for the influx of sargassum, for locations that have been affected, see map below: