Whats the deal with the Sargassum?

You might be wondering what that orangy-brown seaweed is that is seen across the island. Sargassum is a type of common seaweed that floats on ocean currents in large matted areas that can stretch for miles. It is found in temperate and tropical oceans of the world, where they generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs. It is free floating and once it gets near shore it will wash up on the beach, dry out and produce a stinky odor.

While it is a nuisance on land when it washes up on our beaches in massive quantities, floating rafts of sargassum in the open ocean form rich ecosystems that provide critical habitats for a diversity of marine species.

This year especially, but in the past few years sargassum has become a large problem in the Cayman Islands and throughout the Caribbean and it is unknown why this seaweed has become so prevalent.

Here is some further info on the sargassum issue in Cayman:

Department of Environment: Media Release

Cayman Compass: Cayman coastline hit by stinky seaweed, again

At Silver Sands we are diligent about keeping our beach clean, and maintaining the pristine beauty of our shores. Once it washes up we try to get rid of it asap. During your stay on our beach you will not be bothered by this stinky seaweed.

Photos by Heather Holt Photography