Tag:
Sargassum
Conservation
Delicate Balance at Risk: Belize Reef Battles Record Sargassum Levels
A severe environmental crisis is unfolding along the northern coastline of Ambergris Caye. An unprecedented influx of sargassum seaweed is impacting the Belize Barrier Reef, particularly the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park. The decomposing seaweed along the shoreline and near the reef is causing massive marine mortality and disrupting the ecosystem. Conservation groups and marine scientists are urgently documenting the damage and calling on the government to declare the sargassum event a national disaster.
Environment
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Brings Both Challenges and Hope
The ongoing sea turtle nesting season on Ambergris Caye is showing both encouraging progress and pressing challenges, according to local conservation experts. So far, 40 sea turtle nests have been confirmed, involving both green and loggerhead turtles. Weekly patrols by biologists and Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) rangers have located these nests, leading to the successful release of 451 hatchlings near the reef.
Health
Sargassum Surge in San Pedro Raises Public Health Concerns
For the last few months, the surge of sargassum along Belize’s coast has triggered mounting health concerns, especially in San Pedro Town. Beaches once drew crowds, but they now face a relentless assault from brown, decomposing mats of seaweed, posing not only environmental and economic threats but an escalating risk to public health.
Community and Society
The Operating Costs of Sargassum Harvesters: Hol Chan to Seek Private Sector Partnership
The ongoing challenge of keeping San Pedro’s downtown beaches free of sargassum seaweed has added a financial burden to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a loan, Hol Chan acquired two harvester machines designed to collect the seaweed at sea before it reaches the shoreline. However, operating the equipment has resulted in additional expenses totalling thousands of dollars. To sustain the initiative, the organization is now seeking greater collaboration from the private sector.
Travel & Tourism
BTB Reports 7.3% Decline in Overnight Visitors in the Last Two Months
Belize’s tourism sector has experienced a notable downturn in overnight arrivals during April and May. According to the latest statistics released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) on their “Tourism Performance Dashboard,” the figures show a concerning trend. The most striking data point comes from May 2025, which recorded 41,074 overnight visitor arrivals, a 7.3% decrease compared to May 2024, when arrivals stood at 44,313.
Environment
Sargassum Red Code Reactivated in San Pedro
The influx of sargassum along the beaches of San Pedro Town has increased in recent days, prompting the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to reactivate its emergency plan. As a result, sanitation staff are now being supported by additional labor to facilitate the swift and efficient removal of the brown seaweed from the water and downtown beaches.
Environment
Sargassum Response Downgraded; Large Amounts Still Drifting In
San Pedro Town continues to battle the persistent influx of Sargassum, with the sanitation department, supported by additional staff, working daily to keep the beaches clear of the brown seaweed. Over the past week alone, the department reported removing 104 tons of Sargassum from the downtown shoreline. Despite the ongoing challenges, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has recently downgraded its response level from Code Red to Yellow, while significant quantities of the seaweed continue to wash ashore.
Community and Society
SPTC Addresses Unauthorized Structures Erected on Public Beaches
On Tuesday, May 27th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) announced its intention to clear unauthorized structures from public beaches as part of a broader initiative to restore and beautify coastal areas for residents and visitors. The effort also aims to improve sanitation crews' access, particularly during heavy influxes of Sargassum.
