Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Sargassum seaweed blights Mick Jagger’s Mustique retreat
Sargassum seaweed is washing up nightly near Mick Jagger’s holiday retreat on Mustique, an island in the Caribbean.
The seaweed bloom has spoiled visits to the beach, and a source says it traps rubbish and attracts clouds of tiny midges.
Workers dig trenches each morning to bury it, but the cleanup has to be repeated daily.
Sargassum is part of a recurring bloom called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, which stretches from West Africa to the Caribbean.
The belt is estimated to weigh 33 million tons and, according to the account, has been fuelled by farm fertiliser run-off and deforestation.
The problem is worst in summer, and Jagger is expected to return to Mustique next month for a family break.
Sargassum seaweed has been washing up on beaches near Mick Jagger’s retreat on Mustique, spoiling his holiday earlier this year.
A source said the seaweed arrives nightly, traps rubbish and attracts midges.
Workers reportedly dig trenches at dawn to bury the seaweed, repeating the task each day.
The problem is worst over the summer, and Jagger is expected to visit next month for a family break.
The larger Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt stretches from West Africa to the Caribbean and is estimated to weigh 33 million tons.
- Who
- Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones frontman, whose retreat is affected.
- What
- Sargassum seaweed is washing up on beaches and blighting his retreat.
- When
- It spoiled his holiday earlier this year and reportedly washes ashore every night. Jagger is expected to visit next month.
- Where
- Mustique, in the Caribbean.
- Why
- The coast is being affected by a sargassum bloom. The article says the larger bloom is fuelled by fertiliser run-off from farms and deforestation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt emerged, according to the article.
Sargassum spoiled Jagger’s holiday on Mustique.
Seaweed reportedly washes ashore and coats the sand.
Jagger is expected to arrive for a festive family break.
- Island
- Mustique
- Seaweed
- Sargassum
- Belt extent
- West Africa to the Caribbean
- Estimated belt weight
- 33 million tons
- Problem timing
- Worst over the summer
What people are saying
Mick has been incredibly upset
It’s just relentless.