The Sargassum Solution Company
WHAT IS SARGASSUM SEAWEED
Sargassum seaweed is a type of brown algae that historically was found in the Atlantic’s Sargasso Sea, just north-east of the Caribbean Sea. The seaweed forms large mats that float on the ocean’s surface due to its gas-filled bladders. When not removed from beaches immediately, sargassum breaks down in the hot sun, releasing foulsmelling ammonia and hydrogen sulphide gases, (think rotten eggs). The gases it releases when decomposing can be hazardous to people who are tasked with cleaning it up. In large volumes, it can deprive fish, turtles, birds and other marine life of oxygen. As well smothering whole coral reefs of sunlight. It contains some levels of arsenic, heavy metals, and marine plastic debris.
WHAT’S CAUSING ALL THIS SARGASSUM?
The exact cause of the increase in sargassum blooms in the Caribbean region is not fully understood. Early theories proposed that it could be linked to changes in ocean currents, and/or water temperatures influenced by climate change. More recently, scientists have suggested that the cause is nutrient inputs from rivers such as the Congo and the Amazon.
SARGASSUM SEASON IN THE CARIBBEAN
Typically, sargassum season in the Caribbean begins in early April and finishes by October. In 2025, however, the season started even earlier, with sargassum starting to pile up on Caribbean beaches in February.
The issue hit the mainstream U.S. media CNN as the “5000 mile-wide seaweed blob that could be seen from space”. This began to threaten the Florida Coast, in addition to the Caribbean and Mexico. The general consensus in the scientific community is that this problem is not going away any time soon.
SARGASSUM MITIGATION METHODS
Typically, as the sargassum seaweed washes up along the shorelines, workers remove it and take it away as quickly as possible and bury it. The sargassum contains beach sand which acts as a fill but it creates a beach erosion problem. Also, more important are the beach cleaners that face health issues from exposure, the extent of which is yet to be determined. The use of heavy machinery to remove Sargassum can also result in the loss of sand and contribute again to more beach erosion.
COST OF CLEANUP
In 2022, the estimated cost to clean up decomposing Sargassum on beaches across the Caribbean /Caricom Nations was more than $120 million USD. The accumulation of algae on beaches, foul smells, and changes in the quality of beaches and coastal waters result in the devaluation of beach properties and a reduction in tourist visitation, affecting many countries economies. Economic losses can be significant considering that in the Caribbean, the tourist industry was estimated to be worth US$57.1 B, in 2017, with a projection to increase to US$83.3 B by 2027.
Resource Recovery Recycling Ltd – The Sargassum Solution Company
The solution requires three different procedures to properly contain, collect and process the Sargassum. Keeping in mind the environmental concerns, with the coral reefs and the overall health of the ocean with a sustainability process implemented for future generations. We encourage using satellite images, drones to identify and track the blooms. This in order for regions to prepare ahead of time, tracking and viewing the sargassum’s present and future blooms flowing in their direction. The web site www.sargassummonitoring.com has daily updates for this purpose.
The sargassum is not waste, it is actually a resource when processed as a compost properly. Sargassum is widely regarded as a bio-fertilizer in agriculture This nutrient-dense macroalgae is rich in minerals, water soluble polysaccharides and phenolic compounds which collectively enhance soil health, quality, productivity and enzymatic activities.
These are our three (3) Solutions to Manage Sargassum:
1. H5-200 Aquatic Weed Harvester
The H5-200 Harvester. Manufactured by: Aquamarine Inc
The Sargassum is collected at sea at the barriers before it reaches the beaches which reduces the cost and beach erosion. The H5-200 Harvester is perfectly designed for this cleanup. Aquamarine designs and manufactures a wide range of aquatic weed harvesting and aquatic trash removal systems including; harvesters, skimmers, transport barges, shore conveyors and trailers. There are added attachments listed to conform with your specific project.
The T-REX Composter Series. Manufactured by: Terraforma Systems Inc.
All Organic Waste garden , fruit , sargassum including paper products are composted. The Process is heat, agitation and microbes within a dry aerobic environment. This breaks down the organics without water and additives by 80% within 24 hours. The final product is a stable odour free immature compost that can be amended for landscaping & agriculture applications such as a fertilizer for the gardens, mangroves.
Key Features:
A fully automated design for effortless operation and maintenance. Advanced Monitoring – A built-in screen, interior camera, and 20 sensors for comprehensive oversight and seamless operation.
The Beach Bouncer Type III. Manufactured by: Elastic Marine Equipment Inc
The objective is to first contain the Sargassum in the sea, not allowing it to get to shore line and beaches. Beach Bouncer Type III has proven to be most effective barrier design for this stage. It is a seaweed control barrier that consists of a heavy duty coated permeable barrier supported by molded hard floats. It features a stainless steel load carrying cable and ballast at the bottom of the skirt. This construction allows for ready servicing in the field with easy replacement of the floats or base fabric.
Resource Recovery Recycling Ltd (RRR Ltd)
Head Office Belize City, Belize
Certificate of Incorporation in Belize 2011
Exclusive Agents for:
- Beach Bouncer #III
- H5-200 Harvester
- T-Rex Composter Series
WE PROVIDE:
- The Project Management
- Shipping Facilitator of Equipment
- Equipment Training /Manuals
- Maintenance Contractor
Looking froward to working together to reducing the Effects of Sargassum on your shores and beaches …….We have the solutions.
Get more info on any of these systems, please fill out the form below or Contact Us for details: roberthazel@resourcerecoverybelize.com