The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is concerned about the impact on the tourism industry as a five thousand mile-wide blob of seaweed heads towards the Caribbean.
The gigantic mass of seaweed that formed in the Atlantic Ocean also threatens the shores of Florida and other coastlines throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Experts warn it could dump smelly heaps across beaches and put a big damper on the tourist season in the affected areas.
President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Renee Coppin, stresses Barbados’ heavy dependence on coastal tourism.
She notes that there’s been an increase in the seaweed, mainly along the east and southeast coasts and even on the west coast.
She warns it could affect hotel bookings.
Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University, Brian Lapointe, notes the sargassum seaweed could create a catastrophe for countries in the Caribbean.
He specifically referenced Barbados in a CNN interview on the subject.
Professor Lapointe explains the origin of the sargassum.
Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University, Brian Lapointe.
