These brown algae, from the Atlantic, invade the coasts and cause serious health nuisances. The authorities accelerate cleaning operations to limit the risks linked to the gas issued by their decomposition.
Urgent collections launched in several municipalities
The Guadeloupe is once again overwhelmed by sargassum. Wednesday, April 30, the prefecture of the department announced that eleven sites were the subject of an active collection. These operations concern Goyave, Petit-Bourg, Le Gosier, Sainte-Anne, Saint-François, Le Moule and the Désirade. Five new projects are scheduled to start very soon in Terre-de-Bas, Anse-Bertrand and Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante. According to information reported by Sudouest.frfunding is provided at more than 80 % by the State.
A sea protection device
For several days, images have been circulating on social networks. They show beaches entirely covered with‘algae. This phenomenon regularly returns to the region.
-In an attempt to limit the strandings, the island tests floating dams. Almost 5,000 meters were installed offshore. They make it possible to divert the sargassum before they reach the shore. The objective is to facilitate their recovery and protect the seaside areas.
Health risks under surveillance
Sargasses release hydrogen sulfide and ammonia by decomposing. These gases are harmful to health. Two municipalities, Terre-de-Bas and Marie-Galante, exceeded the pre-alert threshold. Gwad’Air, a body responsible for air quality, follows the situation closely.
Multiple causes, a pending supervision
According to Jean-François Moniote, sub-prefect of Pointe-à-Pitre, the absence of wind promotes massive stranding. The Sargasse mission remains mobilized, but the means are still limited. A public interest group, announced in 2022 to structure the answer, has never seen the light of day. A new organization is in preparation.
