How is the Seaweed Problem in Isla Bastimento, Panama?
In 2017, a controversial seaweed called Sargassum started invading Isla Bastimento, located in the Caribbean of Panama’s province Bocas del Toro. Sargassum, a brown algae that thrives in warm climates, can produce large masses of floating seaweed reaching up to 10 meters high. This invasive algae alters marine environments, smothers sea life, affects local economies, and decreases tourism. Since 2017, the problem generally worsens annually to the point where it is having detrimental effects on the island’s infrastructure and the environment.
Sargassum had, in the past, always been present in the Caribbean ocean and other tropical areas. But in June 2019, oceanographers from the Portobelo National Park reported that the underwater blooms of Sargassum had become out of the ordinary, blocking the light and affecting the sea grass beds. The quantity of Sargassum had, since, been so immense it resulted in heaps of smelly seaweed that lined the shore, impeding the access to the beach. This had an immediate effect on tourism, since the bad smell and the shallow water considerably interrupted the seascape.
Scientists argue that climate change, inadequate waste management, and overfishing are believed to be the causes of this phenomena. Traces of excess nutrients, most likely the result of fertilizer runoff, have also been found among the seaweed strands. This matter has made its way to the hemicycle of political decision-makers, and multiple suggestions have been made to diminish the Sargassum issue.
The high churn of murky waters due to the arrival of the seaweed has increased the turbidity levels of the read water, rendering it difficult to filter and employ it for any useful purpose. Moreover, the strong smell has also, among other effects, triggered the noses of nearby populations residing in northern and central areas of Isla Bastimento, Panama.
However, this seaweed could have a certain beneficial aspect, namely, the creation of employment opportunities. This is because locals have started collecting and selling the Sargassum in order to produce fertilizer, especially since the government of Panama recently identified this as a potential agro-fertilizer. Still, amid maritime regulations, permits, and health issues that are directly linked to the decaying seaweed, it’s yet to be seen how the commerce of harvesting the Sargassum will play out.
In this sense, experts in the field recommend doing something about the situation, slowly, but also surely, dealing with the Sargassum problem while being conscious of the government regulations and the environment. To tackle the root of the problem, something needs to be done to reduce the amount of nutrients that enter the ocean, and it needs to be done soon. Assessing non-chemical, innovative approaches of filtration, in a way that brings together both scientific and administrative solution could be a good first step.
Alternative Solutions to Reducing the Seaweed issue
One of the ways to diminish the arrival of seaweed is to focus on preventing pollutants from circumventing the beaches. Re-using and over-saturating the nearby area with clean materials like gravel and stones would, in turn, create a non-conducive environment for this algae to continue their spread. Additionally, this could also be a good way to create an obstacle that acts as a preventive measure for future arrivals.
The presence of ultraviolet lamps next to the shore is also a potential solution. This method, which combines sunlight exposure and ultraviolet rays, helps accelerate the reabsorption of nitrogen from the seaweed while inducing a rapid decomposition. The most effective lamps have been found to filter wastewater by purifying as much as 99% of contaminants and releasing 24-hour long treatments in order to promote more sustained clean-ups.
The blooms of Sargassum could also be dealt with bacterial cleaning methods that utilize bacterial agents. This could be a good way to control the phosphorous and nitrogen of these submarine masses while reducing contamination and applying natural biodegradable materials that can, in turn, act as fertilizers.
Planting seagrasses, which are vital in a variety of functions, could also be an effective way to regenerate the marine environment. These submerged plants not only require less maintenance but can also help in providing food and shelter to the multitude of fish, crustaceans and mollusks that inhabit the Caribbean waters.
Conservation Efforts to Cut Back the Seaweed Influx
The government of Panama is playing an active role in trying to improve the affected areas from the Sargassum threat. They are helping by providing funds that are to be allocated to local associations, and environmental recovery projects related to the clean-up campaigns that have been launched by the authorities. This also means that educational strategies are being implemented or, in other words, efforts of making people aware of the issue in order to jointly embrace change.
Another form of engagement is the advocacy of the scientific community. Numerous groups of oceanographers, biologists, and environmentalists are proposing multiple solutions to the government authorities so that they can make informed decisions.
Having the support from associations, extended networks like the Caribbean Coast region of Nicaragua, as well as foreign recognition from governments and companies is a huge step towards the development of multiple strategies, which can be properly funded and implemented.
Alternative Uses of Seaweed aside from Fertilizer
Aside from the potential to be used as fertilizer, Sargassum is also being seen as a potential fuel that can fuel households. The seaweed can provide a renewable energy source that’s a more than viable choice for domestic needs. On a larger scale, its ability to filter out other fossil fuel pollutants is also helpful in curbing global warming.
In addition, Sargassum can also be used as food. Known to be packed with proteins and antioxidant minerals, chefs around the world have now started implementing the selection of Seaweed to invent their own dishes, making it a viable and a nutritious option. Nevertheless, one of the most notable uses of Sargassum is its potential for creating plastic, which could mean a non-fossil fuel alternative to traditional plastics. Such initiatives, however, are yet to take flight.
What Can We Do?
Implementing effective solutions to counter the Sargassum rise needs both immediate and long-term commitment. Aside from adopting approaches that would invest in state-of-the-art filtration technologies, the short-term answers could also lie in embracing the value of conservation measures.
Having an event for training sessions, encouraging organizations to donate to research and marine preservation initiatives, and creating environmental campaigns are all essential steps needed to assist local populations. Additionally, understanding the connectivity between clean water and tourism is also key to developing a sustainable lifestyle for everyone.
The Need for Changes to Our Habits
Not making changes to our habits would mean continuing to experience the same problems over and over again. This, in turn, can cause our environment and eco-systems to suffer in ways that, carried out in the long run, can be too extreme to repair. Therefore, the need for prevention, not just cure, is the ultimate way to stop this problem from getting even bigger.
The role that human activities make up for the Sargassum blooming issue is one that requires an effort from everyone. For that to happen, changes in our daily practices need to be seen as a chance, not just an obligation. For awareness, to be, actively raised, introducing eco-friendly education systems in local schools, for example, is a great way to get the communities involved in this cause.
What is the Long-Term Plan for the Seaweed Problem?
The long-term plan for dealing with the Sargassum challenge in Isla Bastimento needs to be focused on sculpting an all-embracing approach that can provide a viable, long-term solution. Finding effective ways to reduce the sources of pollutions, as well as the other causes of the seaweed threat, will prove to be a crucial step into the making of a sustainable future.
Investing in the development of well-structured projects that cover the area’s marine life, the economic activity, and the local population’s well-being could be essential if the authorities want to finally take that definitive step towards the preserve the environment. Having an action plan with feasible targets, will help set a basis for recovery an stability.
