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Mexico and Dominican Republic propose joint effort to combat sargassum seaweed

His office announced on Wednesday that the Dominican Republic’s Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, along with top Mexican officials, have proposed a bi-lateral roundtable to discuss the environmental impact of sargassum on both countries' Caribbean coasts.

Why it's important

As mountains of pungent decomposing sargassum pile up on Caribbean coastlines, hotel workers struggle to keep the beaches clean. This releases irritant gasses, which smother marine ecosystems, and lowers occupancy rates in seaside resorts.

CONTEXT

Atlantic sargassum, a type algae, has increased dramatically over the last decade. This is due to nutrient pollution, which was exacerbated by the deforestation of the oceans and the warmer temperatures.

KEY QUOTE

The Dominican government issued a press release saying that the two countries proposed to create a round table between their foreign and environment ministers in order to combat the threat of sargassum on the environment.

By the Numbers

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism could boost Mexico and Dominican Republic's economies by $281 billion and $11 billion respectively by 2025. Both would be breaking records and represent about 15% of GDP.

Scientists at Mexico's UNAM University warned in June that sargassum levels could be double what they were last year. They added that 10%, or 400,000 tons, of it, could reach Caribbean coasts by 2025. Scientists said that a quarter of the sargassum could reach Mexico.

What's Next?

Many nations are interested in repurposing sargassum to produce useful materials, such as biofuels and fertilizers, or bioplastics. However, removing heavy metals and toxins such as arsenic is expensive, and the research process remains at an early stage.

Investors seeking consistent yields are hindered by the unpredictable nature of sargassum blooms. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; Sarah Morland)

(source: Reuters)