Sargassum takes over Rockly Bay

KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY

Rockly Bay is now a sea of sargassum after a floating "island" of sargassum washed ashore on Wednesday. The Tobago House of Assembly’s sargassum management committee is ready to treat with the issue, according to Howard Robin, climate change specialist at the Coastal Zone Management Unit of the Division of Infrastructure, Public Utilities and the Environment.

On Wednesday, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) reported sightings of a large mass of sargassum approaching Rockly Bay, Scarborough.

In a social media post, the agency advised the public, especially those with marine interest, to be vigilant and exercise caution in and around the Atlantic coastline, specifically Scarborough and Lambeau, noting that the relevant authorities are monitoring the situation.

According to the post, sargassum seaweed has a strong odour and insects may be present, however, the seaweed does not sting or irritate skin, nor is the odour toxic.

When contacted, TEMA’s Director Allan Stewart told Newsday that based on the investigation so far, it has been recognised that beaches along the Atlantic side, Delaford to Lambeau, have been inundated with sargassum.

“The worst seems to be the Lambeau area and there is a reasonable expectation that the high tide would try to cause it to be dissipated. So from the high tides that is coming in this evening, a lot would be displaced on the beach itself, so after that process we would know what we’re dealing with exactly,” he said noting that another visit of the site would have to be conducted and an assessment would have to be completed on Thursday following the period of high tide.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, that is spearheading the response said the return of sargassum is engaging the attention of the Tobago House of Assembly’s sargassum management committee.

“Spring tide is likely to facilitate the breakup, burying and transfer of the material,” the division said.

According to Robin, the influx of sargassum was expected.

“Based on the Sargassum Sub Regional Outlook Bulletin March 2020, is that Southern Caribbean islands would have a higher influx of sargassum than normal from March to May.

“The situation is concerning but it's too early to make any pronouncement of possible interventions; however, we are ready,” he said.

According to the release, the management committee will continue to monitor the entire Atlantic Coast inclusive of Hope Bay, Delaford Bay and King’s Bay and other affected areas, with a view to responding appropriately if required.