Sargasso Sargassum Grass Epidemic at the Beaches

Sargassum is a genus of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalgae (seaweed) in the order Fucales. Numerous species are distributed throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world, where they generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs, and the genus is widely known for its planktonic (free-floating) species. While most species within the class Phaeophyceae are predominantly cold water organisms that benefit from nutrients upwelling,genus Sargassum appears to be an exception to this general rule.Any number of the normally benthic species may take on a planktonic, often pelagic existence after being removed from reefs during rough weather; however, two species (S. natans and S. fluitans) have become holopelagic—reproducing vegetatively and never attaching to the seafloor during their lifecycle.

The Atlantic Ocean’s Sargasso Sea was named after the algae, as it hosts a large amount of sargassum. Sargassum was named by the Portuguese sailors who found it in the Sargasso Sea after the wooly rock rose (Halimium lasianthum) that grew in their water wells at home and that was called sargaço in Portuguese (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɐɾˈɣasu]).

The Florida Keys and its smaller islands are well known for their high levels of Sargassum covering their shores. Gulfweed was observed by Columbus. Although it was formerly thought to cover the entirety of the Sargasso Sea, making navigation impossible, it has since been found to occur only in drifts. Sargassum is also cultivated and cleaned for use as an herbal remedy. Many Chinese herbalists prescribe powdered sargassum in hot water for a variety of remedies. Species of this genus of algae may grow to a length of several feet (meters). They are generally brown or dark green in color and consist air bubbles that keep the stringy plants afloat.

Where is Sargassum/Sargasso Grass Found?

The Gulf has the second largest concentration of sargassum of any body of water in the world. A fair amount of it washes out through the Straits of Florida in the Gulf Stream and ends up in the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast of the United States.

Crisis in the Caribbean

In summer 2015, large quantities of different species of Sargassum accumulated along the shores of many of the countries bathed by the Caribbean Sea. Some of the affected islands and regions include the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Barbados and Tobago.[12] Another large outbreak occurred in 2018.

The algae washes ashore, piles up on beaches, and decays, often causing a foul odor, releasing fumes of Sulphur compounds that rust metals, that can turn taps black in shore houses, damages modern conveniences, and causes respiratory problems, particularly for asthmatics. 52 patients were recorded by a single doctor in Guadeloupe with Sargassum-related symptoms. Insurance problems arise for tourist operators and homeowners, where the household and business losses do not fall into previous insurance categories. Wildlife also suffers; for example, sea turtle hatchlings that die on their way to the open water. The affected countries and territories are discussing causes of the outbreak, potential solutions, and the negative effects on tourism. (Source -Wikipedia-internet)

Solutions

What to do with this noxious aquatic vegetation that comes to the beaches and has a negative effect on humans, the eco system, interferes with migratory life cycles, and the tourist industry? One method is intense hand labor with a pitch fork and a wheelbarrow. Slow and tedious. A much faster way is to use a mechanical device that will remove large quantities of the noxious plant not only from the sandy beaches but will be amphibious and extend the collecting out into the water. This method allows for expedited clean up.

The ability to quickly remove the deposits of Sargasso grass from sight and off the beach returning the beach to its natural beauty and function.

We have an answer that will accomplish the expedited collection of the Sargasso grass, not only from the beach but also from the water. It is an amphibious all wheel hydrostatic drive Beach Harvester with a manufacturers’ listed 12,000 lbs. (5443 kg) carry capacity. This wheeled harvester can be driven from beach to beach and can self-propel itself onto a barge for shipping to another island if necessary.
It is a 2009 Model BH-12000 (B-beach, H-harvester-12000-12,000 lbs. (5443 kg) load capacity). It has 6 high floatation traction tires, is made with stainless steel materials, has a 138 Hp Deutz diesel engine, and the manufacturers’ listed operating weight of 17,000 lbs. (7711 kg).
The 2009 model BH-12000 has only 891 actual hours of time on it. We purchased it directly from the original owner and have it available in Spooner, Wisconsin for immediate sale.

Call us for the price.