San Pedro Gets Sargassum Defence with New Skimmer Fleet

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation has announced the deployment of new sargassum skimmer vessels off the coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This is a step forward in Belize’s efforts to protect its marine environment and coastal livelihoods.

These specially designed vessels are now actively working in the waters surrounding the island. The vessels collect and remove large quantities of sargassum seaweed before it reaches the shore. By intercepting the seaweed offshore, the skimmers help safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of Belize’s beaches—key assets for tourism and community well-being.

The deployment is being hailed as a critical milestone in the Ministry’s Blue Economy strategy.

In a statement issued this week, the ministry commended the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) team for leading this vital initiative. “We extend our congratulations to the team at Hol Chan Marine Reserve for this vital investment in protecting our marine environment and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on our coastal areas,” the release stated.