Paris – 20.06.2026: In the Caribbean, the exceptionally strong landings of Sargassum algae continue, burdening both the environment and the population equally. The brown algae, which have increasingly colonized the Atlantic since the early 21st century, have reached record amounts in recent months and are increasingly affecting coastal areas.
Satellite data from May 2026 show the highest concentrations of Sargassum biomass to date, especially in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The season for this algae usually extends from May to August, with an expected peak in the summer months of June and July. Experts therefore predict further increases in the coming weeks.
The French Caribbean region is particularly severely affected by the impacts. On the island of La Désirade near Guadeloupe, the algae masses are currently piling up to such an extent that they significantly reduce air quality and cause health complaints among the population. Likewise, the beaches at Diamant on Martinique are covered with a thick layer of Sargassum, making them hardly usable as recreational areas.
The main causes of the increased spread of Sargassum algae are multifactorial. They originate off the west coast of Africa and reach the Caribbean via ocean currents. Additionally, increased nutrient inflows, especially from the Amazon basin, promote the rapid growth and massive proliferation of the algae plants.
The decomposition of the Sargassum biomass on the beaches releases hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can cause severe health burdens, especially in people with respiratory problems. The environment also suffers: the dense algal cover threatens coastal ecosystems and negatively impacts the local economy, particularly tourism, which is an important source of income for the islands.
To mitigate the consequences of the algae influx, the affected areas are taking various measures. These include mechanical removal of the algae from the beaches, the installation of floating barriers to reduce landings, and initiatives for sustainable use of the algae masses, such as organic fertilizer or energy sources.
Despite these countermeasures, the situation remains tense. Scientists and regional authorities emphasize the urgency of international cooperation to develop effective strategies for long-term control of Sargassum landings. Only through joint efforts can environmental protection be ensured and the quality of life of the affected population improved.
The current situation makes clear how complex environmental changes are as a result of human activities and climatic factors. The Sargassum problem demands sustainable solutions that must be coordinated at the global level to reduce the negative impacts on the Caribbean region in the long term.
Sources
- Sargassum Report