WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is once again facing a significant influx of sargassum, with large amounts of the floating seaweed washing ashore since yesterday and covering several of the island’s bays.
The heaviest accumulation has been reported in well-known coastal areas such as Ascension Bay and Sint Joris Bay, where thick layers of sargassum have already built up along the shoreline and in shallow waters.
According to Ard Vreugdenhil of Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao, the situation has been under close observation for several weeks.
Vreugdenhil said volunteers have been monitoring the coastline every morning for the past three weeks to track the movement and accumulation of the seaweed.
But since yesterday, the situation has worsened significantly.
The growing concentration of sargassum is now forcing conservation teams to actively prepare for possible rescue operations involving marine animals that may become trapped or distressed.
Volunteers have already begun entering affected waters to improve response times and identify animals in trouble as quickly as possible.
Sea turtles are among the main concerns.
Heavy sargassum accumulation can trap turtles, block their access to the surface for air, and disrupt nesting or feeding behavior.
Other marine life, including fish and rays, can also be affected by low oxygen levels caused by decomposing seaweed.
Ascension Bay is currently one of the most critical areas.
According to Vreugdenhil, the bay is now almost completely filled with sargassum, pushing the ecosystem close to its limit.
Conservation teams fear the first distressed or stranded animals could be found in the coming days, especially if the inflow continues.
The greatest concern is for the weekend, when more “drowning victims” — marine animals unable to escape the thick seaweed masses — are expected if conditions worsen.
Sargassum invasions have become an increasingly common problem across the Caribbean in recent years, driven by changes in ocean currents, warmer sea temperatures and nutrient pollution.
For islands like Curaçao, the seaweed not only threatens marine ecosystems but can also impact tourism, fishing and coastal communities.
Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao is urging the public to report any marine animals seen struggling in affected bays and to avoid disturbing rescue operations if they are underway.
The organization says the coming days will be crucial in determining how severe this latest sargassum event becomes.