The Government of Belize says it is continuing its efforts to manage the growing volumes of sargassum washing ashore in several coastal communities.
In a release, the National Sargassum Task Force said new equipment has been acquired to assist with cleanup operations, including a Barber Beach Rake and a New Holland tractor. The machinery is expected to be used in Placencia, where large amounts of seaweed have continued to accumulate along the shoreline.
The task force, co-chaired by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and the Ministry of Tourism, said response efforts remain focused on some of the country’s most affected areas, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia.
Placencia Village Chairman Warren Garbutt acknowledged the challenges posed by the seaweed, stating, “We do realise there is no one fixed solution to this problem and stand ready to work together to find effective and efficient ways to improve the quality of our beaches and visitors’ experience.”
The release also noted that the Belize Tourism Board has provided funding to municipalities for cleanup efforts and is testing new machinery in affected areas. In addition, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has approved a BZ$290,000 grant intended to support private sector businesses impacted by sargassum during June.
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