Sargassum 

Sargassum or Gulfweed, as it’s referred to in the Florida Keys, is a naturally occurring form of Seaweed. It began expanding to nuisance proportions after nutrient rich upwellings from Coastal West Africa caused the biomass to explode. Driven by prevailing winds and ocean surface currents, Sargassum masses began showing up on Atlantic and Caribbean shorelines around 2013. While the volume of Sargassum increases as we move into summer months, stormfronts can cause the biomass to break up and move ashore at any time. In the interest of tourism, initiatives are underway to both clean and prevent the floating masses but, to date, these efforts are reactionary. Until a full understanding around its cause is understood i.e. what was the tipping point and what triggered it, we will have to grin and bear Sargassum’s presence.

For updates regarding Sargassum, along with updated pictures please click below: 

                                                        Sargassum Monitoring – Official Maps & News