The Impact of Sargassum Inundations on the Turks and Caicos Islands

Since 2011, holopelagic Sargassum fluitans and natans have been arriving en masse to the wider Caribbean region West Africa, impacting near-shore habitats coastal communities. We examined impacts of influx on tourism-related businesses through face-to-face interviews focus groups seagrass beds in-water surveys in Turks Caicos Islands (TCI). Substantial accumulations sargassum were found beaches South Middle Creek Cay 2018 2019, including a brown tide 2018. A variety different approaches removing from mentioned desire local as well authorities find sustainable, cost-effective solution what is viewed by many serious problem. The accumulating layer benthos inside caused significant loss Thalassia testudinum. Halodule wrightii, macroalgae sand plains areas lost T. This finding suggests that, if end use for could be identified, harvesting material inshore waters rather than when it has arrived beach would dual benefits.