KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says the swathes of brown seaweed that are washing ashore do not present a threat to the environment or humans, but warns that it should not be consumed.

The seaweed, a type of open ocean algae called Sargassum, is only found in the Atlantic Ocean and provides refuge for migratory species.  

“As it collects and decomposes on the seashore there will be a smell and it will also attract insects,” NEPA said in a release today.

However, according to the environment regulator, “the occurrence of these seaweeds is a natural phenomenon and poses no threat to the environment or human life”.

NEPA advised that Sargassum may be used as mulch or compost once the salt is washed out and it is mixed with manure, but warned, “It is not like sea moss that can be used in food and drink”.

It explained that the recent influx of Sargassum is believed to be related to massive Sargassum in a particular area in the Atlantic Ocean where nutrients are available and temperatures are high.  

Leaving the Sargassum on the beach has proven to be the simplest and lowest cost solution, however in instances where the seaweed is removed, NEPA said, individuals must take special care to minimise the amount of sand that may also be removed from the seashore.

The agency advised that the following steps be taken if individuals choose to remove the seaweed:

1. Stockpile the seaweed

2. Turn the material occasionally to encourage the drying of the material and the ultimate shaking off of the sand.

3. Return the sand to the beach

4. Dispose of the organic material.

5. Individuals may also bury the seaweed on the beach.

NEPA said the Sargassum can also be redistributed to areas affected by beach erosion, with care taken not to impact other resources such as sea turtle nests.