Sargassum, a brown seaweed that naturally floats in the ocean, has become a growing concern for many coastal communities. While it plays an important ecological role in the open sea, forming floating habitats for fish, crabs, and even sea turtles, its sudden overgrowth and beach invasions are raising alarms.
Since around 2011, massive sargassum blooms have been washing up on shores across the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa. These thick mats of seaweed release a foul smell as they decay, disrupt tourism, interfere with fishing, and pose health risks due to the release of hydrogen sulfide gas.
Scientists believe the surge in sargassum is linked to climate change, warmer ocean temperatures, and increased nutrient runoff from agriculture and sewage. Changes in ocean currents may also be driving larger quantities of the seaweed toward land.
Despite the problems it causes, sargassum still has value. When managed properly, it can be used as fertilizer, animal feed, and even researched for biofuel and pharmaceutical uses. The challenge lies in balancing its natural benefits with the need to protect coastal environments and economies.