Community Efforts Intensify as Sargassum Influx Eases in San Pedro

Several San Pedro residents continue to take the initiative to keep the downtown beaches free of Sargassum. Over the past few weeks, residents have reported a slight decrease in the influx of seaweed. As such, those leading beach clean-ups are encouraging beachfront businesses to help remove it. They believe this is an opportune time to join forces, as less Sargassum is washing ashore.
The eastern beaches of the island continue to experience Sargassum accumulation, but according to tour operator and tour guide Oscar Iboy, the amount of seaweed washing ashore has decreased. “This is the time we encourage hoteliers and restaurateurs to join hands with us, as the Sargassum is not coming in large amounts as usual,” Iboy said. “If we can maintain our areas clean, for the time being, then it will be more attractive to our visitors.” Iboy also encouraged islanders to help clean areas that are not directly in front of businesses or other establishments.
Iboy said the Sargassum issue needs to be tackled collectively as a community. “We need to come out in large groups. Everybody can do a couple of minutes during these clean-ups. We depend on tourism, and this problem is discouraging tourists,” Iboy continued. “Let’s get together to address this issue. Nobody will do it but us. Bring your friends out and help us keep San Pedro’s eastern beaches Sargassum-free.”
Iboy said he will continue leading these beach clean-ups and encouraged anyone interested to join the efforts. He believes the most effective approach is for the community to work together rather than depend solely on authorities or others to address an issue affecting tourism businesses and the wider island community.
The San Pedro Town Council held a job fair on August 15th at Central Park, with Sargassum workers among the available positions. The local administration said it continues hiring additional laborers to remove as much Sargassum as possible from the downtown beaches. Officials noted that the task can seem endless and that more workers are needed to keep up with the ongoing influx of seaweed.
Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Service of Belize’s Sargassum forecast indicates a medium chance of Sargassum affecting the country’s coastline in the coming week. According to the forecast, additional Sargassum mats could drift ashore during the period, moderately impacting beaches across the country. Expected areas include San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia.