Dead sharks and other marine life have been washing up on the beaches at Handsome Bay in the British Virgin Islands. Photos posted on Facebook show a shark among the dead sea creatures. Apparently invasive brown seaweed called sargassum may be the culprit.
The seaweed, which originates from Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean and can be found in almost all of the world’s oceans, is blooming due to warmer temperatures. Once the seaweed reaches shore it piles up and begins absorbing the oxygen from the waters. In addition it creates a blanket on the sea darkening the waters underneath. Sea creatures may become entangled in the seaweed and drown.
Sargassum, when not piling up in the surf, has several great benefits. Sea turtles and their hatch-lings munch on it. When floating on the sea, it provides protection for a habitat for crabs, fish and other marine creatures.
According to Facebook the Department of Conservation and Fisheries along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour are planning a community cleanup to remove the seaweed. Hopefully, once the area is clean, the marine life will once again thrive in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.
Domini Buffton has included more details and photos on his blog at: http://boma23.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/sargassum-bloom-in-the-caribbean-and-how-it-kills-shoreline-sealife/
