Barbados’ most unwanted visitor has returned to its shores.
The dreaded Sargassum seaweed is back.
Since 2015 an influx of the unwelcome brown micro-algae has proven to be a major headache for the tourism industry.
The seaweed, which invaded a number of beaches in Barbados, caused an awful stench, as the vegetable matter rotted after washing up on shore.
However, locals and visitors alike got a welcomed break when the seaweed disappeared in 2016 and beaches returned to their customary white sandy appearance only to be plastered again last year.
Over the past two weeks, the unwanted marine visitor has raised its ugly head once again and is highly visible on parts of the north, south and east coasts of the island.
One area, which is heavily impacted is River Bay, St Lucy.
General Manager of the National Conservation Commission (NCC) Keith Neblett has assured the issue was being dealt with.
“We recognize that the seaweed is back indeed. What I can tell you is that we are monitoring it. Our eyes are on it. In terms of the south coast, there are small quantities around Enterprise and Oistins which we are dealing with, but most of it is on the eastern part of the island this time.
“It is not the easiest thing in terms of removing, but we have cleared quite a bit down Barclays Park. We know quite a bit is down St Lucy, especially along River Bay, so what we are hoping to do is by this weekend, get some equipment and move it.
“We understand that it will start to get a stench but we are on it. It came back in overnight but we are going to move it for sure,” he added. – Barbados TODAY
