Sargassum upwelling in the easternmost part of Guantánamo province during the period 2021-2024

Abstract

The presence of Sargassum in the Caribbean has increased recently. In Cuba, arrivals have increased since the first report (2011), primarily from 2015 to the present. Guantánamo has reported massive accumulation since 2021. Project PT211GT002-014, "Monitoring system for the impact of gases resulting from the decomposition of Sargassum algae on the health of the population," provided highly interesting data, which were compiled, recorded, and processed using Excel 2010. The study indicates the months with the highest number of arrivals and their relationship with the prevailing wind regime. The months with the most stranding’s are January and July, in the presence of winds from the first quadrant, frequently from the east (E). The results enhance the population's perception of risk regarding the effects caused by the algae, and also serve as a tool for decision-making and territorial response to climate change.