GOB Takes Early Action Ahead of Sargassum Season

With sargassum activity on the rise across the Caribbean, the Government of Belize has begun early preparations for the 2026 season through the National Sargassum Task Force (STF).

Co-chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the STF is coordinating a national response in five priority locations: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Placencia.

Preparations include getting new shoreline equipment, such as a Barber Beach Rake, as well as replacement parts for Placencia’s existing rake. A project assessment is also underway in San Pedro and Caye Caulker to review infrastructure and identify potential disposal sites.

The STF is using the Sargassum Monitoring (SAMTool) platform, which provides satellite detection and drift forecasts, to help authorities anticipate landings and better coordinate cleanup efforts.

Additional equipment has been acquired, including a specialized workboat for removing sargassum in shallow waters and a floating unit that helps collect it continuously near the coast.

For now, the available equipment is being used in small pilot operations. The STF says wider rollout across all five locations will happen gradually as more machinery and support systems become available.