Sargasso weed plagues northern side beaches

MARIGOT--Vice-President Pierre Aliotti said Tuesday at a press conference the Collectivit� is closely monitoring the invasion of Sargasso Weed -a living, brown looking algae with round bladders- that has been deposited onto the northern side beaches of the French side.

The Collectivit�, if necessary, has the power to close certain beaches, or restrict bathing, if the situation worsens. For the time being there are no beach access restrictions.

Aerial surveillance is also being conducted by R�serve Naturelle to monitor the extent of the weed in the ocean and its possible itinerary. One of the worst affected areas is Orient Beach, particularly the Mont Vernon end.

Masses of the floating weed have drifted onto the beaches in the last few weeks. The natural phenomenon is not a new occurrence, but this year the amount of weed from the Atlantic being pushed onto the island by the prevailing winds and currents is quite unprecedented.

Sargasso weed originates from the Sargasso Sea, an area of ocean situated between Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Fishermen welcome Sargasso weed as it provides a cover for fish and other marine life.

In the deep water the weed is harmless to bathers, but wet weed dying on the shoreline gives off a weak odour of sulphur similar to a rotten egg smell. There is a slight risk of irritated eyes and breathing difficulties to more susceptible segments of the population i.e. the elderly, asthmatics and those with respiratory problems, pregnant women, and animals, particularly dogs.

These people are advised to stay away from the weed. But on the beach in tropical temperatures the weed dries quickly within 48 hours, decomposes, and poses no health risk. One strategy is to spread the weed thinly on the beach so it dries quickly and completely.

There are plans to clean the area around the Pinel Island ferry departure point as this is a highly frequented area by tourists and the eco-landfill has also agreed to take a substantial amount of the weed for composting and fertiliser.

"It is the windward side beaches that are affected, not the leeward side, but we have to be vigilant because we are in hurricane season, and any storm or change in wind direction can have an impact on how the weed travels," said Aliotti.

Manager of R�serve Naturelle Romain Renoux cautioned authorities to remove the weed carefully from the beaches, without the sand, and not to make the mistake that was done in Martinique where large amounts of sand were removed with the weed causing a destabilisation of the beaches.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/19527-sargasso-weed-plagues-northern-side-beaches.html

Italy Lisa Allardice Private equity Yorkshire Tottenham Hotspur Comedy