Hotter weather could bring more sargassum to Jamaican beaches

Rising heat across Jamaica could mean more sargassum washing onto the island’s beaches, creating a nuisance for Jamaicans seeking relief from high temperatures at the seaside.

In recent weeks, more people have been heading to bathing beaches to cool down. At the same time, mats of sargassum have been appearing along sections of the coast, including in Negril, Westmoreland, where residents and visitors share the shoreline.

A local researcher based at UE said this year is already showing signs of being unusually warm, with the seaweed arriving earlier than expected. “This year is shaping up to be warm. It’s shaping up to be hot,” the researcher said, adding that sargassum has been seen offshore before the usual April period.

The report also linked the situation to El Niño, the weather pattern watched closely by climate and meteorological experts. El Niño, which the report said occurs roughly every two years, can disturb normal weather systems and ocean behaviour. It is also expected to influence storm formation this year and may affect sea currents that help move sargassum toward Jamaica.

Some swimmers in Negril said they were not especially troubled by the seaweed. However, the researcher said the plant can create problems once it reaches the sand and begins to decay. The rotting material gives off a foul smell and may irritate the skin.

Large mats can also trap bottles, small animals and other material already in the sea. People entering those areas may experience itching, while those with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions could be more affected.

Cleanup options are limited. Small amounts can be removed by hand, and some operators use specialised equipment. But when the seaweed arrives in large volumes, the researcher said some beaches have little choice but to allow it to break down naturally.