ST. CROIX — If you thought the air was getting a bit thick lately, hold your breath. The “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt” is back, and it’s bringing a 1.7-million-ton biological “gift” to our shores that tripled in size in just thirty days.
While those “rat bastards” at the social media giants are busy throttling the real news, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is sounding the alarm on a record-breaking influx of macroalgae that’s already exceeding 75 percent of historical measurements. This isn’t just a nuisance for your Sunday beach trip; it’s a health hazard for anyone with a pair of lungs and a respiratory system.
As my Dad always said, “It all comes out in the wash,” and right now, the Caribbean wash is full of decomposing weeds and hydrogen sulfide. Before you head out to the East End or Frederiksted, you’d better read the fine print on what 2026 has in store for our coastlines.
The following is the official update from DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol:
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), on
behalf of the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), is advising the public to prepare for another year of
record sargassum influx as concentrations continue to rise across the Caribbean, consistent with
early 2026 forecasts.
These projections are based on assessments from the University of South Florida’s College of Marine
Science Optical Oceanography Lab. The monitoring system was developed in collaboration with
DPNR-DFW, the University of South Florida, and regional partners, with support from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal
Blooms Program.
More information is available at:
https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/developing-an-operational-sargassum-hab-monitoringand-forecasting-system-for-the-southeastern-u-s-and-u-s-caribbean/.
A bulletin released February 28, 2026, reports that sargassum levels in the Western Caribbean and
Western Atlantic remain at record highs. The lab noted an increase in Caribbean sargassum from
0.45 million tons in December 2025 to 1.7 million tons in January 2026—more than tripling within
four weeks.
Additional details can be found at the Optical Oceanography Laboratory’s website.
According to the lab, three major sargassum masses are currently present in the Eastern Atlantic,
Western Atlantic, and Caribbean. Both the Caribbean and Western Atlantic regions recorded “recordhigh” sargassum levels in January, exceeding 75 percent of historical measurements.
“Sargassum amount in most regions is set to increase in the coming month,” the bulletin states.
“Because of the continuous growth from November to February and because of record-high amounts
in most regions, 2026 is set to be another major sargassum year.”
Sargassum is a brown, free-floating macroalgae that naturally thrives in the Sargasso Sea and
supports a variety of marine organisms. Since 2011, however, a second bloom originating near the
Amazon River has caused repeated large-scale accumulations throughout the Caribbean. When
beached, decomposing sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a strong “rotten egg” odor
and causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system—effects that are more severe for individuals with asthma. Avoiding beaches with significant decaying sargassum is the most
effective precaution.
While sargassum in the water does not harm swimmers, marine species such as jellyfish that inhabit
the algae can cause skin irritation. Large patches of sargassum can also interfere with motorized
vessels by entangling propellers. If this occurs, boat operators are advised to shift the engine into
reverse to clear the obstruction.
Small quantities of nuisance sargassum may be removed manually by hand or with rakes. For larger
accumulations, beachfront businesses may apply for permits from DFW and the Division of Coastal
Zone Management to use mechanical equipment. The deployment of containment booms requires
authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. DFW also provides mandatory training to ensure removal activities follow ecological best practices and comply with Virgin Islands Code.
For more information, visit dpnr.vi.gov or contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife:
- St. Croix: (340) 773-1082
- St. Thomas: (340) 775-6762
- Email: DFWElectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.co