Record sargassum seaweed bloom poses threat to Florida and Caribbean beaches

By Horace Palacio: A significant threat looms over the idyllic beaches of Florida and the Caribbean as massive clusters of sargassum seaweed are set to inundate the shores once again. According to the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab, the seaweed bloom has surged to unprecedented levels, as reported by MSN Weather.

In a disturbing ecological development, the sargassum bloom’s size increased dramatically last month, setting a new record for December. The quantity in the central Atlantic jumped from one million metric tons in November to five million tons by December, the highest volume ever recorded for the month.

Researchers at the lab have issued a stark prediction, stating, “This indicates that 2024 will be another major Sargassum year.” While sargassum plays a crucial role in oceanic ecosystems by providing habitats for marine life, problems arise when it reaches the shores. The decomposing algae emit a foul odor resembling rotten eggs and can trigger respiratory issues in sensitive individuals, including those with asthma.

Brian Barnes, a research professor at the University of South Florida, emphasized the scale of the issue, noting that “Before 2011, we never saw anything like this.” The past decade has seen a huge increase in the size and impact of these blooms.

Fortunately, the Gulf of Mexico has so far remained largely free of sargassum, with only a minor presence (120,000 tons) in the Caribbean Sea. However, scientists expect this to change in the months ahead as the seaweed band grows and ocean currents carry fragments westward.

Last year’s sargassum bloom peaked at 13 million tons, and while not all of it washed ashore, the portions that did caused considerable disruption along parts of Florida’s coastline, creating challenges for the tourism industry, especially during spring break and the summer season.

Authorities, such as the Florida Department of Health, advise against swimming near or touching the sargassum due to the potential presence of stinging creatures like jellyfish larvae. They also recommend that those in proximity to affected beaches use gloves when handling the seaweed and keep windows closed to avoid respiratory discomfort and unpleasant odors.

The escalation of the sargassum problem underscores the need for increased monitoring and management efforts to mitigate the adverse effects on coastal communities, marine life, and tourism industries in the affected regions.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-601-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.