Satellite Images Show Record Influx of Sargassum in Florida and Cancun This May

Coastal regions of Florida and Cancun are preparing for an unprecedented arrival of sargassum seaweed, as satellite imagery indicates record-setting blooms in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab reports that sargassum levels in April surpassed previous records, with concentrations in the eastern Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean exceeding historical norms by over 200%.

Dr. Chuanmin Hu, a professor of oceanography at USF, emphasized the magnitude of the bloom, stating, “A 5% or 10% increase over a record isn’t typically a major concern, but a 40% jump is significant” . Estimates suggest approximately 30 million metric tons of sargassum are currently floating in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.

In Florida, beachgoers are already encountering the effects. Miami’s beaches have seen an influx of brown seaweed, which emits a foul odor upon decay and can deter tourism. The USF lab anticipates that more concentrated areas of sargassum will move into the western Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatán, potentially affecting most Caribbean islands and Florida’s southeastern coast.

Cancun is also on alert. The region is expecting a record-breaking sargassum surge, with the bloom’s size 40% higher than the previous all-time high recorded in June 2022. While current wind patterns have delayed the seaweed’s arrival on Cancun’s shores, experts warn that changes in weather conditions could lead to significant beach inundations in the coming weeks.

Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact. In Cancun, strategies include deploying sea barriers to divert sargassum and implementing beach cleanup programs. Florida’s local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with the USF’s upgraded Sargassum Watch System providing advanced forecasts to aid in preparation and response.

While sargassum plays a vital role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat for various species, excessive accumulation can harm coastal environments, smother coral reefs, and disrupt tourism. As both regions brace for the peak sargassum season, authorities and communities are urged to stay informed and take proactive measures to address the challenges posed by this natural phenomenon.