Ministry defends sargassum removal methods amid criticism

The Ministry of Environment and National Beautification has defended the methods used to remove sargassum from Barbados’ beaches, amid criticism on social media of the clearing operations.

In a statement, the ministry said the Sargassum Seaweed Project was launched to address the ongoing presence of the seaweed along the island’s shores, with numerous Barbadians deployed over the past several years to assist with the coordinated clearing efforts.

The ministry said the process involves multiple “carefully managed steps” designed to maintain beaches for residents and visitors while protecting natural habitats and safeguarding the island’s turtle population and wider biodiversity. (PR/BT)