Santo Domingo environmental authorities have issued an alert regarding a significant sargassum seaweed incursion anticipated to reach Caribbean coastlines by January 2026. José Ramón Reyes, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources at the Ministry of Environment, indicated the algal phenomenon would likely follow patterns previously observed across the Antilles and Mexican coastlines.
Unusual early detections have already been recorded, with sargassum appearing in atypical regions including northern coastal areas and eastern zones as early as December. Current nationwide estimates suggest approximately 800,000 tons of sargassum are present, though officials acknowledge difficulties in quantifying the full extent across all affected regions.
In response to this growing environmental challenge, the Dominican government is implementing multiple strategic initiatives. The Ministry has established collaborative agreements with KOICA (Korean International Cooperation Agency) and the European Union’s Euroclima program to develop an advanced early warning system. This technology will provide coastal communities with critical 48 to 72-hour alerts before sargassum arrivals.
Complementary monitoring efforts include a pilot project utilizing camera networks and drone surveillance in heavily impacted areas, developed through partnership with SOS Carbón. The Dominican Republic has additionally elevated the sargassum crisis to international forums, advocating for its recognition as a regional environmental emergency requiring coordinated multinational response strategies.