Government is doing all in its power to address the influx of the sargassum seaweed on Barbados??? shores.
This assurance is coming from Minister of the Environment and Drainage, Dr. Denis Lowe, who is also appealing to members of the public to join the national clean-up effort on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, at beaches across the island.
Beaches earmarked for cleaning from 6:00 a.m. on both days are Skeetes Bay, River Bay, Consett Bay, Bathsheba, Cattle Wash/Barclays Beach, Long Beach, Silver Sands, Foul Bay and Crane Beach.
???I can assure you that the Government is doing its part,??? Dr. Lowe said, noting that a number of key agencies met recently to develop a management system for dealing with the seaweed.
Speaking during an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service recently, he stated that his Ministry was monitoring the influx of the seaweed through the National Conservation Commission, responsible for the maintenance of the beaches, and the Coastal Zone Management Unit, which has responsibility for the protection of the beaches and coral reefs.
Originally the sargassum seaweed affected mainly the island???s south, east and north coasts, but just under two weeks ago, it was observed along the west coast of the island.
However, the Minister pointed out that loads of the seaweed were already collected from beaches and disposed of on plantation grounds or other areas, where requested.
???The truth is ??? because of the extent to which this sargassum weed is populating our beaches, it has become very difficult for us to manage it ??? so that it does not impact persons, both locals and tourists, being able to access our beaches,??? Dr. Lowe stated.
He applauded the Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre for coming up with its offer of $25 per tonne to haulers bringing the seaweed for processing, so that it may be used as a mulching agent for agro activities.
julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb