Sargassum is a floating seaweed that provides food, shelter and a breeding ground for marine life under “normal” environmental conditions. But those circumstances No exist longer.
Sargassum has been washing up on Caribbean shores in huge quantities for several years, making it a nightmare for beachgoers and a threat to marine wildlife in shallow waters.
The phenomenon has been linked to an excess of nutrients in the ocean and a rise in global temperatures.
Sargasumm in itself is harmless to humans, but certainly affects the beach experience of holidaymakers.
When is Sargassum season in the Dominican Republic?
According to reports, sargassum is in the Dominican Republic peak between May and August but it can vary every year depending on meteorological factors affecting the Atlantic Ocean.
This seaweed is rarely seen between November and May because lower temperatures do not promote its reproduction. So it is wise to plan your holiday accordingly.
So far in the 2024 season, the sargassum situation in the country is under control. Algae levels have increased on some beaches, while others are almost sargassum-free.
: Mexico Sargassum Daily Updates 2024: Cancun, Tulum, PDC, etc.
Recent seaweed updates from the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)
Hoteliers and local authorities are on top of the issue, cleaning beaches every morning and installing ocean barriers to catch the algae before it washes ashore, giving holidaymakers an unforgettable beach experience.
Check out this timeline to get a general idea of the current situation on some of the most popular beaches and how it is evolving. This report is based on data from the Algues sargas Punta Cana And Sargassum Seaweed Updates Dominican Republic FB groups.
April 21:
– significant sargassum in Riu Palace after morning cleaning.
– Bavaro Beach, outside the Bavaro Princess Resort, one of the 10 most amazing beaches in the world according to National Geographic, reported no sargassum.
20th of April:
– Bavaro beach had a little bit of sargassum in the water, but nothing that would bother swimmers.
– Cortecito Beach, outside the impressive Punta Cana resort, had some sargassum on the beach, but the water was clean.
April 19:
– Cabeza de Toro beach, outside the Dreams Flora resort, had no sargassum.
April 14:
– At Bavaro beach there was a strong presence of sargassum both on the beach and in the water.
