Pelagic sargassum invades the Bay of Las Croabas in Puerto Rico

(CNN Spanish) – Much of the Bay of Las Croabas, in the municipality of Fajardo, in eastern Puerto Rico, remains covered in pelagic sargassum, a brown algae that floats freely in the sea and never adheres to the ocean floor, confirmed the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER).

“The sargassum that accumulates on some beaches in Puerto Rico is a natural process that should not concern citizens. The phenomenon occurs naturally every year, although some with more algae. Sargassum alters the aesthetics of the coasts and in its decomposition stage it causes objectionable odors, so we suggest that you visit other beaches while this process ends, ”said Joel Seijo, spokesman for the DRNA.

According to the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, some scientists associate the presence of sargassum with higher-than-normal temperatures and low winds. They claim that these manifestations influence ocean currents and are connected to global climate change.

The recent influx is believed to be related to massive sargassum blooms occurring in particular areas of the Atlantic Ocean, not directly associated with the Sargasso Sea, where nutrients are available and temperatures are high.

The DNER said that the presence of sargassum in Las Croabas has not interrupted daily work and fishing activities in the area. “We advise vessels to avoid high concentrations of sargassum to avoid damage by entangling the propellers of the engines. On the other hand, we remind the municipalities that cleaning the material involves a protocol, so we suggest that the municipalities contact the regional offices of the DNER ”, said Seijo.