Ministry of VROMI Launches Island-Wide Sargassum Cleanup Operations
May 26, 2025 —
Sint Maarten
The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning,
Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) has launched emergency cleanup operations to
tackle the widespread buildup of sargassum seaweed across Sint Maarten’s coasts.
Acting through the Department of Infrastructure Management,
the Ministry began cleanup efforts over the weekend of May 24–25.
These operations immediately targeted heavily affected areas, including Simpson Bay,
Beacon Hill, and Oyster Pond/Dawn Beach.
Residents had raised formal complaints about the overwhelming presence of sargassum,
prompting health concerns.
In response, http://www.sxmnews.ai
the Ministry of VSA’s Inspectorate of Public Health and Collective Prevention Services (CPS)
investigated and confirmed a spike in public health issues,
particularly in Beacon Hill, https://stmaartennews.ai/important-notice-financial-aid-st-maarten-recipients-issued-accessing-funds/
where decomposing seaweed releases hydrogen sulfide gas known to cause respiratory problems and foul odors.
Following this, VROMI’s teams,
together with VSA field inspectors and community members,
conducted site assessments.
They reported record-high accumulations in Oyster Pond,
while Dawn Beach, Guana Bay, and Pointe Blanche also face significant sargassum impact.
VROMI already completed initial cleanup activities at Simpson Bay Beach and Beacon Hill. Meanwhile,
crews will continue work in Oyster Pond and nearby communities in the coming days.
Although the current operations address urgent conditions,
VROMI is developing a long-term strategy in partnership with relevant stakeholders to better manage future sargassum influxes.
Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown seaweed from the Atlantic Ocean.
However, climate change, shifting ocean currents, and nutrient overloads have fueled massive blooms in recent years.
These events severely disrupt marine life, affect tourism, and create serious environmental and public health risks.
To support the cleanup efforts and protect community health, the Ministry advises the public to:
Avoid active cleanup zones for safety.
Report major sargassum deposits to local authorities.
Stay informed through official government updates.
For additional information or updates on sargassum response efforts, follow the Ministry of VROMI on social media or contact the Department of Infrastructure Management at publicworks@sintmaartengov.org.