The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says locals are to expect an influx of the brown seaweed known as Sargassum in upcoming weeks along the north and south coast of the island.

It’s a natural phenomenon that poses no threat to human life or the environment.

Speaking with NCU FM News yesterday, Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at NEPA, Loureene Jones explained the purpose of the seaweed and its point of origin.

BITE: 1 Loureene Jones 2018-07-05

Sargassum acts as a habitat for juvenile fish species who travel across the seas with it. The brown algae is a prime nursery habitat for a diversity of large fish.

The floating mats of seaweed have been spotted offshore Jamaica with some areas like Hellshire Beach, St Catherine and Long Bay, Portland already being impacted.

Miss Jones outlined safe options for getting rid of the sargassum.

BITE: 2 Loureene Jones 2018-07-05

She says persons in Barbados have been using the seaweed as fertilizer.

If you’re interested in doing this, all the salt from the sargassum must be washed out properly, and the seaweed should be put to dry. When this is done, it can be used in mulching.

NEPA is advising that the sargassum not be applied directly to plants. Instead, mix it in with soil and other mulch components.

The Agency says the influx and volume of the sargassum has resulted in cases of erosion along Jamaica’s coastline.

BITE: 3 Loureene Jones 2018-07-05

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