The news hasn’t escaped you: sargassum seaweed is back on Guadeloupe’s beaches. Elected representatives are doing their utmost to prevent the proliferation of this pestilential algae: backhoe loaders, Sargator, inflatable socks…
In addition to the health crisis linked to the Coronavirus, the famous brown algae are a concern for tourists and locals alike.
You ask:
- Is sargassum dangerous?
- Where do they come from?
- Are there any in Guadeloupe?
- On which beaches are they installed?
We’re here to answer all your questions as future travelers planning to enjoy the beaches of Guadeloupe.
Where does the sargassum algae seen in Guadeloupe come from?
Normally, sargassum algae proliferates in the sea of the same name, off the coast of the United States. But its presence has also been detected in northeastern Brazil.
Sargassum algae form brown clumps that are moved by ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean. This is why it is now found in Guadeloupe. The algae has also affected other islands such as Martinique, Saint-Barth and the Dominican Republic. The whole of the Caribbean, and even the beaches of Florida and Mexico.
According to a study carried out by scientists, it would appear that the Sargasso phenomenon, which has been raging for the last ten years, is linked to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest and the increasing use of pesticides in agriculture.
These two phenomena contribute to the release of nitrates into the Amazon River, which then flows into the Atlantic. Sargassum feeds on these nitrates, enabling it to reproduce at high speed.
Is sargassum seaweed dangerous?
It’s important to know that algae are not dangerous to humans when they’re in the water, even if they are obviously a nuisance. Who wants to swim in a lagoon infested with brown algae? Or sailing or scuba-diving in a sea of algae instead of crystal-clear water?
The presence of sargassum algae in the water, on the other hand, is a major problem for flora and fauna. Clumps of algae filter out light, affecting coral and fish. The hatching of turtle eggs is also affected, when the algae is on the sand.
The biggest problem is the seaweed that settles on the shore and begins to dry out. It gives off a strong odor, as well as toxic fumes, if you get too close.
On which beaches in Guadeloupe is sargassum found?
Many of Guadeloupe’s beaches have never been affected by sargassum algae. It only washes up occasionally, and most beaches are cleaned regularly.
On Grande-Terre, beaches with sargassum are oriented east and south.
- Saint-François: Plage des Raisins Clairs
- Sainte-Anne: Bois Jolan beach
- Anse Bertrand: Le Porte d’Enfer
- Le Gosier: La Datcha, Saint-Félix
In Basse-Terre, beaches exposed to the east and to Atlantic currents are the most affected.
- Capesterre-Belle-Eau: Plage de Roseau and Plage de Bananier
- Goyave: Sainte Claire beach
- Petit-Bourg: Plage Viard
Even if some beaches have sargassum, they may still be passable. If they’re tourist beaches, chances are they’re cleaned regularly to make them more accessible. So you’ll be able to swim and stroll around. This is the case for St François, Sainte Anne and Gosier.
Should we be concerned about the presence of sargassum seaweed in Guadeloupe?
The authorities in Guadeloupe have set up a number of measures to combat the arrival and stranding of brown seaweed on beaches.
Anti-Sargasso booms have proven their effectiveness. The purpose of these booms is to divert the seaweed to collection centers.
Many of Guadeloupe’s beaches are free of sargassum. As a result, they preserve their turquoise waters and their flora and fauna. Keep up to date and know that Île aux Belles Eaux is there for you to enjoy its nature and sublime landscapes.
The DEAL Guadeloupe website provides information on sargassum monitoring bulletins: http://www.guadeloupe.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/bulletins-ou-syntheses-hebdomadaires-2020-r1231.html
Let’s take a look at the sargassum-free beaches in Guadeloupe.
You’ll see that you have a vast choice!
Sargassum algae-free beaches in Guadeloupe
Sargassum-free beaches in Grande-Terre
All west-facing beaches are free of sargassum, as they are protected from the Atlantic currents.
- Anse Bertrand: Plage de La Chapelle, Anse Laborde
- Port-Louis: Plage du Souffleur
- Morne-À-l’Eau: Babin beach
- Saint François: Salines beach
Sargassum-free beaches in Basse-Terre
The west coast is free of sargassum algae. You’re unlikely to come across any on this side of the island.
- Bouillante : Malendure, Anse et Sables
- Vieux Habitant : Rocroy Beach
- Pointe Noire: Petite Anse, Caribbean Beach
- Sainte Rose: Plage de Tillet, Plage de Clugny, Anse des Îles, Mambia, Les Amandiers.
- Deshaies: Ferry Leroux, Grande Anse, Plage du Rifflet, La Perle
- Gourbeyre: Rivière Sens beach
What about your stay in Guadeloupe?
We think it’s important to keep you up to date with the local situation regarding the presence of Sargasso seaweed. Please do not hesitate to visit the DEAL website: http://www.guadeloupe.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/sargasses-r999.html.
That said, as you’ve read in our article, there are a large number of beaches that are preserved from their presence. Which means you have a wide choice of beautiful beaches to enjoy swimming, snorkeling or board sports.
Far from minimizing the problem, which we take very seriously, we need to be aware that the situation evolves very rapidly, depending on currents, trade winds and waves, which are capable of moving or eliminating a cluster of algae in the blink of an eye.
