Coastal areas of Florida and Cancun are preparing for an unprecedented arrival of Sargassum Zeewier, because satellite images indicate record cases in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. The University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab Reports that Sargassum levels exceeded earlier records in April, with concentrations in the Eastern Caribbean Sea and the West -Atlantic Ocean that exceeds historical standards by more than 200%.
Dr. Chuanmin Hu, a professor in Oceanography at USF, emphasized the extent of flowering and stated: “An increase of 5% or 10% compared to a record is usually not a major care, but a 40% jump is considerable”. Estimates suggest that around 30 million tonnes of Sargassum is currently floating in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.
In Florida, beach visitors are already against the effects. The beaches of Miami have seen an inflow of brown seaweed that can be sent off a dirty scent in decline and scare tourism. The USF Laboratory expects that more concentrated areas from Sargassum will move to the West Codaribian Sea and the Gulf of Mexico via the Yucatán, which may affect the most Caribbean islands and the southeastern coast of Florida.
Cancun is also alert. The region expects a record-breaking Sargassum-Toame, with the Bloom’s size 40% higher than the previous of all time recorded in June 2022. Although the current wind patterns have delayed the arrival of the seaweed on the coast of Cancun, experts warn that changes in weather conditions can lead to considerable beach tooths in the coming weeks.
There are efforts underway to reduce the impact. In Cancun, strategies include the use of Zeebarrières to distract Sargassum and the implementation of beach cleansing programs. The local authorities of Florida keep a close eye on the situation, with the improved Sargassum Watch system of the USF that offers advanced predictions to help with the preparation and response.
While Sargassum plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by offering habitat for different species, excessive accumulation of coastal environments, smother koral reefs can disturb and tourism. Since both regions are braced for the Peak Sargassum season, authorities and communities are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive measures to take on the challenges of this natural phenomenon.
