The Sargassum outlook for the Eastern Caribbean Sub-Regional from February 1 to May 1, 2024, predicts mild to moderate accumulations in the next three months.

The most recent Sargassum Sub-Regional Outlook Bulletin, covering the period from February 1 to May 1, 2024, predicts mild to moderate sargassum conditions across the Eastern Caribbean in the next three months. Compiled by the Sargassum Team at The Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The University of the West Indies in Barbados, the bulletin notes that sargassum distribution in the Central Atlantic is currently 40% lower than the same period last year. Although there has been a reduction in dense surface accumulations since the previous month, cloud cover may impede the detection of sargassum in the equatorial region off South America.

Regarding the overall outlook, a mild to moderate influx of sargassum into the Eastern Caribbean is expected over the next three months. Projections for the Northern islands suggest considerably lower influxes compared to the same period last year, with low but steady accumulations anticipated in March and April. Mild influxes are forecasted for the Middle islands, with some peaking expected from late March into April. Meanwhile, the Southern islands are predicted to experience generally higher influxes than last year, albeit at a low level. Influxes are expected to decrease towards the end of February before resuming from mid-March onward.