ILLEGAL ALIENS ALONG OUR COAST

 WHAT MUST WE DO?

The beaches around Choiseul are strewn with a proliferation of Seaweed - looking like a massive invasion of an army of "illegal aliens" on our shores.

For the time being our beaches are so littered with seaweed that they are out of bounds for holiday-makers and beach lovers. We don't know when the situation will even out or will ultimately return to normal.

I have compiled/adapted the following article on seaweed from WIKIPEDIA.

Despite its seeming ugliness on the beachfront, seaweed has several uses. It can be used as food, medicine, fertilizers and in industry.

However, there are also some health risks associated with it. 

Read on for more information.

What is seaweed?

Seaweed is a loose term which refers to “macroscopic, multicellular, benthic marine algae”.

SABWISHA STREWN WITH SEAWEED

Uses of seaweed

Among other things, seaweeds can be used for food, medicine, fertilizer, and the manufacture of industrial products.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SEAWEED IN SABWISHA, CHOISEUL

-      Some types of Seaweed are eaten

Some types of seaweed are eaten by coastal people in many parts of the world (including Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Indonesia, Belize, Peru, Chile the Canadian Maritimes, Scandinavia, South West England, Ireland, Wales, California, Philippines and Scotland).

In Japan, China and Korea they are used in soups or to wrap sushi. In Wales red algae is used to make Laverbread, made from oats and the laver, is a popular dish there.  In northern Belize, seaweeds are mixed with milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to make a common beverage.

SABWISHA LOOKS DEFACED AND DIRTY WITH THE INVASION OF THE SEAWEED

-      Seaweeds are used as food additives

Seaweeds are also harvested or cultivated to produce food additives in confectionery, meat and poultry products, desserts and beverages, salad dressings and sauces, dietetic foods, and as a preservative in meat and fish products, dairy items and baked goods.

-      Seaweeds are used as medicines

Algae also have medicinal value. Some types are used in wound dressings, and production of dental moulds. In microbiology research, it is extensively used as “culture medium”

Seaweed is a source of iodine, necessary for thyroid function and to prevent goitre.

Seaweeds may have curative properties for tuberculosis, arthritis, colds and influenza, worm infestations and even tumors.

-      Seaweeds are used as fertilizers

Some types of seaweed may be used as fertilizer. Seaweed is currently under consideration as a potential source of bioethanol. Perhaps the Ministry of Agriculture may wish to advise us in that regard

-      Industrial uses

Seaweed is an ingredient in toothpaste, cosmetics and paints.

Seaweeds are used in industrial products such as paper coatings, adhesives, dyes, gels, explosives and in processes such as paper sizing, textile printing, hydro-mulching and drilling.

A VIEW TOWARDS THE VILLAGE: DIFFERENTLY COLOURED SEAWEED. WHY?

Health risks

The high iodine content of seaweed can produce iodine toxicity if large amounts of seaweed are consumed.

Rotting seaweed is a potent source of hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas, and has been implicated in some incidents of apparent hydrogen-sulfide poisoning.  It can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

The proliferation of seaweed along the coast is a seeming eyesore; but I guess, it's a phenomenon we will have to put up with. Already, there is some apparent emission of hydrogen sulphide. But is it of a sufficiently large quantity to be a health risk? The authorities need to advise us."

 - The above article was adapted from Wikipedia (online)

 Meanwhile the arrival of the rainy season seems to have brought some new problems to Sabwisha Beach Park. Is it double jeopardy for Choiseul? 

Have a look at the pictures below.

DRAINAGE WORKS NEEDED AT SABWISHA ENTRANCE

THE ENTRANCE TO THE BEACH IS A "RIVER"

IT NEVER RAIN; BUT IT POURS