Key facts
- Sargassum seaweed has accumulated to nearly a record 29 million metric tons.
- Florida beaches are experiencing significant wash-ups of the seaweed.
- The rotting seaweed emits hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, causing foul odors and potential breathing problems.
- Researchers predict the sargassum bloom will continue to grow and spread.
- Texas and Louisiana are expected to be the next states affected by the seaweed.
Massive quantities of sargassum seaweed, totaling nearly a record 29 million metric tons, are inundating beaches along Florida's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The decaying seaweed emits noxious gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, creating foul odors and posing potential health risks, including breathing problems, nausea, and headaches, particularly for sensitive individuals. Small organisms within the seaweed mats can also cause skin irritation. The Environmental Protection Agency has noted that sargassum can leach pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals. The University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab, which monitors sargassum year-round, anticipates the bloom will continue to grow, with beaching events likely to increase. Researchers predict that Texas and Louisiana will be the next states to experience significant wash-ups as the seaweed drifts further into the Gulf of Mexico. The year 2026 is projected to be another major Sargassum year, potentially setting a new record by the summer.