Tag:
Sargassum
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.
Environment
Sargassum overwhelming Ambergris Caye’s coasts; harvesters trying to cope with the influx
San Pedro Town began addressing the Sargassum issue on April 11th by activating two specialized harvesters designed to collect and remove the brown seaweed from the ocean before it reaches the beaches. Since then, these modified machines have been working to scoop up the seaweed near the island's urban area. However, large amounts of Sargassum have still been observed on the beaches. In response, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has declared a Sargassum emergency and is hiring additional personnel to assist in removing the algae from the downtown beaches.
Conservation
Sea turtle nesting season has begun; Sargassum poses potential threat
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve has announced the start of the 2025 sea turtle nesting season in northern Ambergris Caye. Over the years, Hol Chan has been monitoring the island’s northern beaches and observing the challenges that sea turtles face during nesting season, which typically lasts until November. One of the significant challenges this year is the increased influx of Sargassum seaweed, which poses a threat to the nesting period, alongside the rise in human activities.
Business & Economy
Downtown businesses report a slow crowd for Easter
Entrepreneurs in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, have observed that the popular Easter celebrations on the island are changing. According to some business owners who spoke about the recent Easter weekend, the once-crowded downtown and beach parties along the eastern coast seem to be fading. They noted that more visitors are now gravitating toward the popular Secret Beach on the island's northwest side or other destinations in the country.
Entertainment
Ambergris Caye celebrates a peaceful Easter holiday
During the long Easter weekend, from Friday, April 18th, to Monday, April 21st, locals and tourists in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, celebrated the much-anticipated annual occasion with religious events and beach activities. Easter was observed in various locations across the island, particularly at the popular Secret Beach on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
Sargassum continues to impact Ambergris Caye beaches; where are the skimmers?
The seasonal influx of Sargassum is currently impacting the beaches of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Hoteliers and restaurant owners are working to keep their areas free of brown algae. At the same time, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has activated its Sargassum response plan to manage the incoming mats of seaweed. However, residents report that they have yet to see the Sargassum skimmers acquired last year, which are designed to capture the seaweed from the sea before it reaches the shore.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council activates Sargassum Response Plan
As the easterly winds start to blow over San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, seasonal mats of Sargassum seaweed have begun to wash up on the island's shoreline. In response, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has initiated a plan to address the current influx of this brown seaweed. On March 11th, they announced their initiative, which has already resulted in the removal of more than 20 truckloads of Sargassum following the recent influx.
