Abstract

The proliferation of sargassum in the Caribbean represents a major ecological, health, and economic challenge for the islands in the region. Météo-France has developed a sargassum raft monitoring bulletin to better understand and anticipate these phenomena. This bulletin uses satellite data, current and drift prediction models to detect and forecast the trajectory of sargassum rafts. Through a combination of advanced remote sensing and modeling technologies, we are able to identify areas of high sargassum concentration and predict their arrival on the coasts with increased accuracy. The results obtained so far show a significant improvement in the ability to predict sargassum strandings, thereby enabling local authorities to take preventive measures to minimize impacts on coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Additionally, the monitoring bulletin has facilitated the sharing of information and resources to combat this scourge. This presentation will detail the methodologies used for sargassum monitoring, the challenges encountered in the forecasting process, and the improvements made over time. We will also discuss future prospects for improving forecast accuracy and integrating new technologies and data sources. In conclusion, the Météo-France sargassum monitoring bulletin is an essential tool for the proactive management of sargassum strandings, contributing to the resilience of Caribbean communities in the face of this environmental threat.