Caribbean under algae plague: stench and tourism in danger!

Caribbean under algae plague: stench and tourism in danger!

In the Caribbean, vacationers and residents face an unexpected challenge: an intense stench that is reminiscent of lazy eggs spreads along the coasts. Massive amounts of Sargassum algae are responsible for this, which are flushed to the beaches in record numbers. Current estimates amount to around 38 million tons of these algae in the Atlantic, which were found in May 2025. This amount has been the largest since the beginning of the observations in 2011, and the previous record was about 22 million tons in June 2022, as [https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/amerika/karibik-algen-rekord-100.html) reported.

The unpleasant smell arises when the algae rotted and toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which can irritate the skin and respiratory tract. Vacation destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Martinique and Barbados are particularly affected. Whole sections of the coast have now been covered by slippery, brown algae slits, which makes many beaches unusable. This development has serious effects on tourism that represents an essential source of income for the region.

consequences for tourism

The algae plague means that vacationers change their plans or even leave prematurely. Barriers against Sargassum have already been built in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and excavators are used in St. Maarten to cope with the situation. Some hotels offer their guests reimbursements or organize shuttle services into fewer affected beaches. In a school on Martinique there was even a temporary closure due to the harmful effects of the algae.

The increasing temperatures of the sea, over -fertilization by agricultural wastewater and changed currents are identified as the main causes of explosive algae growth. The Sargassum algae multiply, and their presence not only disturbs tourism, but also endangers the marine ecology, especially coral reefs and Seagrass ecosystems.

long -term effects

Sea pollution not only has an immediate impact on local beaches, it also influences the economic stability of the countries concerned. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy in Caribbean states and makes considerable contributions to the global gross domestic product. According to [SigmaEarth.com] (https://sigmaearth.com/de/gef%C3%A4hrdeter-Tourismar's%3A-Die-Effects-Ter-OFFILES Pollution-on-Tourismus/) In 2019, tourism supported over 330 million jobs worldwide and made 4.5%for global GDP.

The pollution of the oceans, especially by chemicals from agriculture, leads to harmful algae flowers that not only endanger the health of potential tourists, but also mean long -term damage to the local economy. The persistent challenge of Sargassum growth threatens the image of popular travel destinations and has the potential to significantly influence the number of visitors.

authorities and environmental experts are faced with the task of combating the causes of algae growth and at the same time preventing a further decline in tourism. It remains to be seen how the region will deal with this devastating situation and which measures are necessary to minimize the damage and to maintain environmental quality.