By Zoila Palma: A massive bloom of floating seaweed is advancing toward Cancun and other Caribbean tourist destinations, raising concerns among scientists and tourism officials.
Researchers from the University of South Florida report that an estimated 38 million metric tons of sargassum now stretches across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the Caribbean, marking the largest biomass recorded since satellite tracking began in 2011.
Scientists say this year’s bloom surpasses previous records set in 2018 and 2022, continuing a troubling trend seen over the past 15 years in which sargassum outbreaks have increased in both frequency and intensity.
Experts attribute the growth to a combination of warming ocean temperatures, shifting wind and current patterns, and higher nutrient runoff from major rivers including the Amazon, Orinoco and Mississippi.
The spread of sargassum has repeatedly affected popular tourist destinations across the Caribbean including Belize where beaches have been blanketed with the seaweed.
As it accumulates and dries on shore, the algae releases hydrogen sulfide gas that produces a strong rotten-egg odor and, in high concentrations, can cause eye irritation, headaches and respiratory discomfort.
Beyond tourism impacts, scientists warn the seaweed also threatens marine ecosystems by lowering oxygen levels near shore, damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds, disrupting sea turtle nesting areas and affecting fishing grounds.
The post International News: Record sargassum bloom drifts toward Cancun and Caribbean resorts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A massive bloom of floating seaweed is advancing toward Cancun and other Caribbean tourist destinations, raising concerns among scientists and tourism officials. Researchers from the University of South Florida report that an estimated 38 million metric tons of sargassum now stretches across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the Caribbean, marking the largest
The post International News: Record sargassum bloom drifts toward Cancun and Caribbean resorts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.