Sunday, April 2, 2023
  • Login
  • Register
Southern Boating
  • Boats
    • Center Consoles
    • Dual Consoles
    • Motoryachts
    • Power Cats
    • Sport Cruisers
    • Tenders & Ribs
  • Destinations
    • Bahamas
    • Caribbean
    • Pacific
    • U.S. Atlantic
    • U.S. Gulf
  • Engines
    • Engine Buyers Guide
  • Maintenance
    • DIY
  • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
  • Gear
  • Shop
  • Web Reader
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
  • Boats
    • Center Consoles
    • Dual Consoles
    • Motoryachts
    • Power Cats
    • Sport Cruisers
    • Tenders & Ribs
  • Destinations
    • Bahamas
    • Caribbean
    • Pacific
    • U.S. Atlantic
    • U.S. Gulf
  • Engines
    • Engine Buyers Guide
  • Maintenance
    • DIY
  • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
  • Gear
  • Shop
  • Web Reader
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Southern Boating
No Result
View All Result
Home Destinations Caribbean
Sargassum Seaweed

Sargassum Weed

July 23, 2019
in Caribbean
0
587
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It ensnares fishing lines, can stop props and makes for unsightly and seriously smelly beachfront. In recent years, huge quantities of sargassum weed have floated into the Caribbean creating problems for the region’s visitors and residents alike both on sea and shore.

This year’s sargassum bloom is especially massive, perhaps the heaviest on record, leading everyone from island tourist boards to marine researchers to seek out a solution to this problem.

“We knew the sargassum was going to be especially thick this year when we saw large patches in Dominica in February,” says Joan Conover, the Hampton, VA-based cruising station coordinator for the Seven Seas Cruising Association, who sails the Caribbean each winter with her husband, Greg, and sons aboard their Morgan 51, Growltiger.

The weed does have a positive side. One is serving as a nursery habitat for endangered species, such as sea turtles, but on the downside, sargassum is a navigational hazard to vessels.

“Sail when there is wind, which breaks up the mats of sargassum,” Conover says. “Back up to clear props. Don’t use reverse-osmosis systems in weed-filled bays because the hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by the weed can destroy membranes and filters. Finally, go carefully through big mats. We found nylon rope in one.”

Conover and many other cruisers are helping researchers learn more about sargassum to ultimately aid in its control. To assist, cruisers can report sightings to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Lab.

In the meantime, plot the most weed-free route by checking out the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Laboratory’s satellite-based Sargassum Watch System, which provides satellite images of weed plumes in near-real time.

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating August 2018

More Caribbean Updates:

Carriacou Regatta

USVI Open 

Tags: CaribbeanSargassumSeaWatchseaweedUSF
Previous Post

Get Smart with NAUTIC-ON

Next Post

USVI Open / Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament

Next Post
The 2017 USVI Open / Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament

USVI Open / Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

healthy new year, Atlantis, Wellness resorts, healthy resorts, wellness resorts, best resorts for good health, healthy resorts, best marinas for a healthy lifestyle

Cruise into a Healthy New Year

July 23, 2019
Southport 272

The Southport 272

July 24, 2019

Don't miss it

Authentic Thai Cuisine Onboard: Set Sail for Flavor!
Drinks

Authentic Thai Cuisine Onboard: Set Sail for Flavor!

March 31, 2023
50th BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Starts Friday
News

50th BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Starts Friday

March 31, 2023
A freedom boat cart parked on the side
News

Freedom Boat Club Launches New Addition to its Fleet – The Freedom Boat Cart

March 31, 2023
Can The Fed Engineer A Soft Landing?
Marketgauge

Can The Fed Engineer A Soft Landing?

March 31, 2023
Indulge in Ultimate Luxury: Explore Top Lifestyle Products for the Elite
Featured

Indulge in Ultimate Luxury: Explore Top Lifestyle Products for the Elite

March 31, 2023
The Pursuit Offshore Series: Experience A Boater’s Thrilling Dream
Boats

The Pursuit Offshore Series: Experience A Boater’s Thrilling Dream

March 31, 2023
Facebook Instagram TikTok Youtube LinkedIn

Navigation

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
logo

1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Office: +1 (954) 522-5515
Fax: +1 (954) 522-2260
Contact us: info@southernboating.com


Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the best in boating weekly direct to your inbox!

No Result
View All Result
  • Boats
    • Center Consoles
    • Dual Consoles
    • Motoryachts
    • Power Cats
    • Sport Cruisers
    • Tenders & Ribs
  • Destinations
    • Bahamas
    • Caribbean
    • Pacific
    • U.S. Atlantic
    • U.S. Gulf
  • Engines
    • Engine Buyers Guide
  • Maintenance
    • DIY
  • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
  • Gear
  • Shop
  • Web Reader
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise

© 2023 Southern Boating Media

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy