The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is treating the influx of Sargassum seaweed as a serious issue, and is consulting with a number of agencies to tackle the problem.

In a statement recently released by that organisation it indicated: ???The CTO is treating this matter seriously and with urgency. We have engaged a number of regional and international institutions in our attempts at finding solutions, among them, universities???.

The organisation pointed out that such dialogue was necessary to discuss the theories which had been advanced as to the cause of the latest influx, and the myriad suggestions put forward for tackling the issue.

To this end, representatives will attend a symposium being held by the University of the West Indies next Monday, August 17, which has been organised with a view to producing workable solutions that can be implemented immediately to address the situation.

Explaining that the sargassum seaweed impacted member counties differently in terms of the level of incursion and which beaches were affected, the CTO noted that it was nevertheless ???an unwelcome visitor which can be uncomfortable and which takes away from the experience for our guests.?????

Sargassum seaweed is a natural occurrence believed to originate in the Sargasso Sea, which is a two million square mile body of warm water in the North Atlantic near Bermuda. However, some scientists believe the current influx was brought into the Eastern Caribbean through the North Brazil Current.

For the complete statement, please click the Sargassum Statement??by the CTO for further details.

kim.ramsay-moore@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest