“It’s already created a lot of problems for local people for tourism, for the economy, for corals, for coral reefs, for seagrass, turtles, and for people,” shared Dr. Chuanmin Hu.  

Dr. Hu is a Professor of Oceanography at the University of South Florida. He claims that this algal belt is not brand-new.

The belt originated in the Sargasso Sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Experts first noticed an increase in seaweed blobs washing up on Florida shores in 2011.

The belt saw 13 million metric tons in March, the most ever recorded for that month and breaking the previous record.

Despite this astounding figure, Dr. Hu noted that the belt covers only 0.1% of the ocean’s surface.

“This amount is not in one location. It’s spread all over the Tropical Atlantic. It’s a huge area. It’s 5 million kilometers in that area,” Dr. Hu said.  

In Florida, summer is the time when more algae accumulates. But numerous places in Florida have already noticed algae accumulations on their shores.

Last year, Broward County collected about 282 yards of seaweed. Compared to the same period this year, they have collected 920 yards so far.

In Miami-Dade, they have gathered about 5,000 cubic yards since March.

Since the beginning of April, the seaweed has been visible in parts of the Panhandle as well, raising the question of whether or not we can stop it from washing ashore.  

“It’s possible. It’s just a factor of benefit versus cost,” Dr. Hu said.  

The cost to clear the seaweed was around $3.9 million paid by Miami-Dade County.  

Broward County composts its waste, resulting in an annual cost savings of nearly $350,000. However, local government and tourism still have to bear the financial burden.

For that reason, scientists like Dr. Hu are trying to figure out why more of it is flourishing.

“Seaweed is a plant, as with other plants, it requires light, nutrients, and the right temperature to grow. In the Tropical Atlantic Ocean, all these conditions are there. So why do we see an increasing trend in recent years? There are a lot of factors. No one can really pinpoint one factor, you know that is the killer.”  

Although it is difficult to anticipate what might happen next, researchers know that the pattern of increasing algae in Florida is likely to continue.

“This represents a new normal compared to ten years ago, and people need to be prepared.”

Recent Updates on Sargassum Seaweed in Florida from our FB group community:

Sargassum Seaweed Update Florida is a FB group with locals from Florida or people visiting and posting updates on situations in different coastal areas of the state.

May 4

May 1

April 30

April 29

April 13 and older

Possible alternative uses of seaweed

Sargassum seaweed has several potential uses, including:

1. Fertilizer: Sargassum seaweed is rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. It can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops and gardens.
2. Animal feed: Sargassum seaweed can be dried and processed into a nutritious animal feed for livestock and fish.
3. Bioplastics: Researchers are exploring the use of sargassum seaweed as a source of biodegradable plastics, which could replace traditional petroleum-based plastics.
4. Biofuel: Sargassum seaweed can be converted into biofuel, which can be used to power vehicles and machinery.
5. Cosmetics: Sargassum seaweed is used in some cosmetics and skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Medicine: Sargassum seaweed has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory problems, inflammation, and skin conditions.
7. Soil erosion control: Sargassum seaweed can be used to prevent soil erosion and promote plant growth in coastal areas.

The post Seaweed Sargassum Starts Invading Florida’s Beaches In Record Numbers appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

There are several locations to pick from, whether you’re looking for crowded, packed beaches or want to venture off the main track and find an undiscovered sandy shoreline. And we will help you to choose the right one.

This article lists the top locations for tanning, swimming, shell-collecting, picnicking, riding jet skis, and fishing in Miami, Florida.

Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach has gorgeous piers and immaculate white-sand beaches away from the bustle of other Miami-based beaches. Due to its less crowded beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sunny Isles Beach is the ideal spot for a day of diving, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Several restaurants, cafés, and other eateries, including the Newport Beach Bar, are situated on the pier and serve everything from sushi and sandwiches to scallops and steak. It’s a terrific area to spend a day or a weekend.

If your small ones grow weary of making sand castles, there is also a public park for kids beside the ocean. The ideal beach for relaxing and unwinding is Sunny Isles.

There are ten spotless public parks in Sunny Isles Beach. The well-known Samson Oceanfront Park offers a Wednesday Outdoor Concert Series and Yoga Under the Moon.

Children can explore the butterfly garden at Gateway Park, while dogs may have a great time in the Bone Zone in Senator Gwen Margolis Park.

South Beach

Given that so many celebrities choose South Beach as their favorite, it is one of Miami’s busiest beaches and a spot to be seen. It is situated near Ocean Drive, directly across from some of Miami’s most well-known nightclubs.

In Miami, South Beach has somewhat of a legendary reputation. The beach, sometimes referred to as SoBe by locals, is one of Miami’s most popular tourist attractions.

The waves at the beach are a brilliant turquoise color, lapping against the shore. There is a jumble of seats and umbrellas for tourists, too.

Practically everything is accessible right on the sand. Have a craving for ice cream? Want to order a cocktail while relaxing in your chair? Get it from one of the many kiosks nearby.

Additionally, South Beach is where elegant Art Deco architecture meets modern design. The city’s best hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife are located around the beach.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Set just outside of Miami on the southern edge of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs is undoubtedly one of the most popular weekend getaways. 

Right next to Cape Florida Lighthouse, there is a quiet stretch of sand called Cape Florida Beach. The waters there are shallow and warm and therefore perfect for families with kids. 

Climb the 109 steps to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy some scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Other popular activities include cycling, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.

The park also features ample parking, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a birding trail. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite in Lighthouse Café which features delicious seafood, or enjoy a barbie at Boater’s Grill.

South Pointe Park

Miami benefits from the best of all worlds thanks to South Pointe Park. The beach is renowned for its verdant vegetation that contrasts with expanses of sand to provide tourists with an unforgettable experience.

The beach offers magnificent walking paths, luxuriant vegetation, and expansive views of the Atlantic.

What’s more, it offers breathtaking vistas of cruise ships leaving the Port of Miami. However, the attraction of South Pointe Park and Pier to anglers is its most striking characteristic.

The 450-foot-long pier was rebuilt in 2014 and has designated stations for cleaning fish and cutting bait.

Given that it is a family-friendly beach, one may bring their family for a picnic and relax on one of the many grassy knolls to take in their meals while enjoying the sunshine.

You may take a dip in the ocean, lounge on the beach, browse the boardwalk, or unwind on the fishing pier. For the smallest beachgoers, there is also a playground that they will surely enjoy.

Crandon Beach

Outsiders’ perceptions of the ideal Miami Beach are embodied by Crandon Beach, which is long and broad, has fine white sand, and is lined with hundreds of palm trees.

Beach volleyball matches are constantly in progress, and the fragrance of barbecue emanates from one of the many on-site grills.

Walking along the shore, you can view seagrass beds, mangroves, and other coastal vegetation.

Visit the Crandon Park Nature Center, a park section, to observe some rare fish, unique flora, and wildlife. Additionally, there is a Family Amusement Center, an Environment Study Area, and the Bear Cut Preserve.

Surfside Beach

Between the communities of Bal Harbour and Miami Beach is Surfside. This relatively tranquil seaside community is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets and much more than simply a place most people rush by on their route to and from the upscale stores of Bal Harbour. It is located on a narrow strip of land across Biscayne Bay from Miami.

While still maintaining part of its glitzy, vintage ambiance, Surfside now strongly emphasizes providing a good standard of living for both visitors and locals.

Anyone can take advantage of free access to swimming pools and more than 90 health and wellness programs at its beachside community center. In Surfside, classes like aqua zumba, beach yoga, and pilates are frequently offered.

The Carrot, an organic restaurant with a large selection of vegan, vegetarian, and kosher options on its menu, is just one example of the many healthy food options available in this area.

Enjoy loaded sweet potatoes, gourmet wraps, soups, salads, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices, among other dishes. You may pamper yourself with various spa services at The Spa at Four Seasons Surfside, which features a marble hammam.

Haulover Beach

Clothing is not required. Due to this fact, Haulover Beach receives more than 7,000 visitors daily. According to polls between the Atlantic and Intercoastal Waterways, one of the best nudist beaches in the world spans nearly half a mile and features fine white sand, lovely manicured dunes, picnic sites, and open surf.

It is a fantastic swimming and surfing beach. Although it sits on only a tiny fraction of the much larger Haulover Park, the beach is where most visitors congregate. Even though you are not required to be nude to visit the beach, being dressed will likely make you feel worse than others who are skinny dipping.

You’ll see a highly rocky section of shoreline that appears too sharp to be natural at Haulover Beach’s southern end. This is the northern entrance to Biscayne Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, provided by the artificial Haulover Inlet.

Visitors to Haulover Beach shouldn’t think about going swimming in the inlet. In addition to boat traffic, it has powerful currents. Even seasoned boat captains believe it’s a bit dangerous.

Oleta River State Park

Florida is known for its marshes and mangrove forests but did you know that you can explore one even when you’re in Miami? Oleta River State Park is situated just 30 minutes from downtown and is considered to be the largest urban park in the whole of Florida. It features more than 1,000 acres of lush nature as well as a number of secluded beaches. Also, it offers a number of watersports.

Explore the forest on a kayak or paddle board – long-distance paddlers will appreciate the 1.5-mile-long Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The area is also popular among anglers and swimmers.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can bike the 15 miles of off-road trails. On a lazy afternoon, you can enjoy a picnic with scenic views of Biscayne Bay.

Wanna stay overnight? That’s no problem at Oleta River State Park. There are fourteen little cabins available for rent.

Why visit Miami?

Miami is a crossroads of cultures that celebrates its diversity via food, art, and entertainment. Travelers learn this quality the instant they enter Miami International Airport, even though it is only one city, as it represents destinations worldwide.

The variety of languages may draw notice, but what draws the eye is the air of wealth. Top-notch food, lodging, and spas that appeal to people with a taste for the finer things in life may be found in its relocated cultures.

All of this is in addition to stunning beaches and diverse wildlife — visit Miami for its culture, countless services, entertainment options, and accessibility to nature.

What are the less crowded beaches around Miami?

1. Crandon Park Beach – Located on Key Biscayne, this beach is less crowded and offers beautiful views of the Miami skyline.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Also located on Key Biscayne, this park has a lighthouse and a beautiful beach with fewer crowds.
3. Haulover Beach Park – Located in North Miami Beach, this beach is known for its clothing-optional section, but it also has a quieter section with fewer crowds.
4. Surfside Beach – Located north of Miami Beach, this beach is a hidden gem with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Virginia Key Beach Park – Located on Virginia Key, this beach offers beautiful views of the Miami skyline and is less crowded than other popular Miami beaches.
6. South Pointe Park Beach – Located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, this beach is less crowded than other beaches in the area and offers great views of the ocean and the Miami skyline.

These are just a few of the less crowded beaches around Miami that you can explore. Keep in mind that some of these beaches may still get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit them during off-peak times for a quieter experience.

The post 8 Best Beaches near MIAMI, FL to Visit in June 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Owner of a condo at Miami Beach for more than 20 years, Oscar Vasquez, claimed to have never observed so much sargassum so early in the season.

“There are parts of the beach where there’s so much sargassum on the shoreline where it’s undesirable and difficult to get into the water,” Vasquez said. 

The tufts of brown weeds that cover the beaches are laboriously removed by specialized tractors, but the seaweed usually reappears the next morning. Sargassum is collected with the intention of using it as filler, but in the meantime, it is piled up off the coast and gives off a bad smell.

Few photo updates from monitoring FB group:

Southernmost Point Buoy

EAST WIND, Jensen Beach

Delray Beach

Sargassum is a natural phenomenon, but this year’s bloom caught the attention of researchers because of its size. This year, the amount of seaweed in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has increased to about 13.5 million metric tons.

According to the University of Miami doctoral candidate Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, the increase in sargassum growth can be linked to the increase in nutrient-rich wastewater generated by the growth of the world’s population. The sewage is discharged into rivers, which then make their way to the sea. They provide nutrients to the sargassum, acting as a fertilizer and promoting its rapid reproduction.

The potential of sargassum for constructive use is being studied intensively by researchers such as Abdool-Ghany.

“Instead of putting it into a landfill, we wanted to compost it into a usable product can be made from it,” Abdool-Ghany said. 

Research is still being done on workable solutions to the sargassum problem, and they have yet to be put into practice. However, Miami-Dade County officials are taking steps to protect the region’s important tourism revenue and maintain property values by conducting daily beach cleanups. 

Miami-Dade County is asking the state for an additional $2 million on top of the $3.9 million they have already set aside for cleanup this year.

The importance of balancing the protection of local species and the beaches from sargassum was emphasized by Daniella Levine Cava, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Some cleanup methods are restricted by federal guidelines to safeguard native species like sea turtles and fish hatchlings. 

The post Massive Clumps Of Smelly Sargassum Continue Covering Florida’s Beaches  appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This rotting, stinking algae which is invading the shoreline or in the water is a naturally occurring brown seaweed. Composed of gas-filled structures which keep the brown seaweed buoyant, strong currents and the wind is what is bringing the massive blob to the shores.

It is a genus of brown macroalgae in the order Fucales, a planktonic (free-floating) species.

The 13-million-ton mass is a good thing when it is out offshore, but impactful to humans when it gets on beaches. In the ocean, it provides a habitat for hundreds of species of fish and even endangered sea turtles. 

Although it is not advised to swim next to it as it can cause the skin to turn red and into an itchy rash, the texture is like a loofah sponge when swimming next to it. Along with the potential for rashes, stinging organisms such as jellyfish can be present among sargassum.

The worst though might be the smell. When sargassum decomposes, the hydrogen sulfide gas produced makes it smell like rotten eggs. This can be extremely harmful to those with pre-existing conditions. 

The reason the blob is so big this year is that current conditions are ideal for it to grow. The nutrients from the ocean depths are acting like fertilizer for plants, a great environment for growth. 

While there are no records of major blooms prior to 2011, there have been record-setting blooms in 2018 and 2022, but 2023 is setting new records earlier in the season. 

While where sargassum accumulates is highly variable, it will almost inevitably wash shore along all Caribbean islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and Southeast Florida. 

The post What Is Sargassum And Why It Is Coming To Florida – All To Know appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Join our FB group where Florida’s locals post the latest photos and videos on Sargassum Seaweed in FL

Latest Update on Seaweed Situation in Florida:

May 1: Travelers and Tourists are reporting record arrivals of seaweed to Florida already

Activity in our dedicated FB reporting group “Sargassum Seaweed Updates Florida” has been increasing with daily updates of seaweed arrivals. Most of the places are already reporting record amounts ahead of the peak sargassum season.

Key West – Southernmost Point of the Continental USA (April 30)

Bahia Honda State Park (April 29)

Jetty Park (April 29)

Cinnamon beach (April 29

NBC NEWS Report:

April 12: Media start reporting the arrival of seaweed blob in Florida

A massive expanse of sargassum seaweed spanning 5,000 miles in width has made its way to the Florida Keys. On Easter Sunday, footage captured at Cocoplum Beach in Marathon, Florida, depicted the seaweed drifting onto the shore and accumulating in heaps along the beachfront.

FOX WEATHER REPORT:

WPLG Local 10 REPORT:

NewsNation REPORT:

March 17: 5,000-Mile-Long Seaweed Belt Heading To Florida, Mexico, And Dominican Republic

The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt is a massive seaweed belt spanning 5,000 miles and weighing over 11 million tons. Its size is so vast that it is visible from space, stretching from West Africa to the Caribbean and posing a significant threat to coastal waters and beaches. Oceanographer Ajit Subramaniam speaks with John Yang to shed light on the topic.

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Dr. Chuanmin Hu, who studies sargassum and works at the University of South Florida, says: “Sargassum peaks in summer, in June in July, there is no exception,” explains Hu. “During winter months they typically stay rather low. But not this year. This January already set a record for all previous January months.”

Suggested: Latest Sargassum Seaweed Updates from Cancun Area

He continued by saying that the amount offshore at this time of year is four times what it usually is.

When asked why, Dr. Hu noted, “we don’t know, that is a direct answer”.

In prior years, he said, the culprits were often anything that added nutrients to the ocean’s surface, such as upwelling and mixing.

Dr. Melinda Simmons is a professor of marine sciences at Jacksonville University.

“I wish it was just one thing, but it is a combination of nutrients, and we think those are human sources,” she says. “A lot of it is river runoff. And then also Climate change, as these waters get warmer, and we are not having the reprieve with cold waters. And we sometimes can see these blooms on the trackers in the satellite data stretching from Africa to the Amazon and then up the coast of Florida.”

That’s one-way scientists track sargassum in the ocean and estimate how much there is.

“The sargassum has a very special color tone, that can differentiate itself from the background water, so even if there is a tiny different we can squeeze the signal out,” Hu added.

This allows them to determine how much is in the water.

The biggest concern is that these algae will make Florida’s beaches stink in the spring and summer.

“A record in January does not exactly mean a record in June. What is certain is 2023 will be a major sargassum year,” Hu said.

Is it, however, cause for concern?

Simmons said, “When it starts to break down it starts to release hydrogen sulfide and that can be an irritant for people who have asthma or breathing difficulties.”

She continued, “I think the major issue is it’s unpleasant. Whether you are swimming or wading in it it’s going to smell bad. And then people don’t want to come to the beach.”

What could be done? These are possible alternative uses of sargassum heading to Florida, according to a new startup

The surge of sargassum seaweed in recent times has triggered businesses to explore novel methods of eliminating it, and its potential uses are already manifold.

Scientists and entrepreneurs aspire to transform it into syrup, bricks, and conceivably even jet fuel. Carbonwave, an organization based in Boston and Puerto Rico, is utilizing it as a constituent in fertilizer, cosmetics, and even synthetic leather.

The post Sargassum Seaweed In Florida: 2023′ Latest Updates And Photo Reports appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Two such links for sargassum-related resources are The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sargassum Reports and Florida Department of Health Fact Sheet.

Along with providing real-time sargassum information to travelers, the tourism body is working with other state agencies to suggest inland activities for impacted destinations. 

While the seaweed helps with shoreline stability, the stinky rotten egg-smelling seaweed can be dangerous for those with respiratory issues who have prolonged exposure. 

The yearly invasion is expected, but this year The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt set new records. The belt has been measured at 13 million metric tons, which is about .1% of the ocean’s surface.

As the bloom is being predicted for June and July. along with Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico will experience major beaching events throughout the summer. 

Currently measuring over 5,000 miles wide, twice the width of the United States, beachgoers have experienced the whiff of rotten eggs since Easter Sunday. 

The seaweed is home for many marine species and the algae helps with erosion and provides beach plants with nutrients according to an article in 2018 from the University of Florida Museum. It also provides refuge for fish, crabs, shrimp and other smaller organisms. 

Managing the influx of seaweed is a two-pronged approach from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The former leads coastal water cleanup while the latter manages sargassum that lands on beaches.

The sargassum invasion has been occurring yearly since 2011, requiring costly cleanups and detouring tourists. Growing in the clear waters of the Sargasso Sea, strong currents bring the mass westward, impacting Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The post Visit Florida Provides Vital Support To Businesses Affected By Sargassum Invasion appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The authorities have been cleaning the beaches ever since they were alerted to the situation but the peak of seaweed season is just about to come.

Is the sargassum seaweed dangerous?

Sargassum resembles a brown, leafy seaweed most of the time. It often floats on the surface of the ocean. It originated in the Sargasso Sea, a large region of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Sargassum Information Hub claims the algae “provides food and shelter for fish, mammals, seabirds, crabs and more.”

In typical circumstances, it can promote health of the ecosystem. Dolphins and turtles, on the other hand, can suffocate if they are unable to break through the water’s surface when it becomes too thick. Without sunlight, plants on the ocean floor can also perish.

Humans are also at risk from sargassum. It gives off rotten-egg-smelling ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gas. Inhaling this gas can cause problems with the skin, brain, and lungs. It can also cause signs such as nausea, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation. High exposure to sargassum can sometimes even be fatal.

In Guadeloupe and Martinique, there were 11,000 probable cases of sargassum poisoning in 2018. Patients reported having headaches, skin rashes, vertigo, and shortness of breath.

Sargassum gas exposure is not treatable in any way. Symptoms are often minor and improve with time. It is recommended to seek medical attention if symptoms get worse. It is advisable to stay away from seaweed altogether. Walking on the beach is discouraged, especially if the air smells like rotten eggs.

The tourism sector has also been affected by the sargassum bloom in Florida. According to Dr. Gustavo Jorge Gonie, an oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, travelers are strongly advised to check for the presence of sargassum on their chosen beach before visiting. He also shared:

“We’re trying to work on these early warning systems — high resolution in coastal areas, which takes higher-resolution satellite imagery to do a better job showing what’s actually coming into a beach within the next 24 or 48 hours.”

What are the alternative uses of Sargassum seaweed?

Sargassum has various alternative uses beyond its traditional use as a fertilizer. Some of these alternative uses include:

1. Animal feed: Sargassum seaweed can be used as a feed supplement for livestock and poultry due to its high nutritional content.
2. Bioplastics: Sargassum seaweed can be used to produce biodegradable plastics as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
3. Biofuels: Sargassum seaweed can be used to produce biofuels such as ethanol and butanol.
4. Cosmetics: Sargassum seaweed is used in some cosmetic products, such as facial masks, due to its skin-nourishing properties.
5. Pharmaceuticals: Sargassum seaweed contains compounds that have potential medicinal properties and can be used to produce drugs for various illnesses.
6. Soil erosion control: Sargassum seaweed can be used to prevent soil erosion in coastal areas.
7. Water purification: Sargassum seaweed can be used to remove heavy metals and other pollutants from water.

The post Is The Sargassum Seaweed Covering Florida’s Beaches Dangerous For Humans? appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Related: Sargassum Seaweed In Florida: 2023′ Latest Updates

Unlike normal ocean seaweed, this seaweed has both a pungent smell and releases harmful chemicals when it decomposes. Along with a nasty rotten-egg stench, prolonged exposure can be dangerous for those with respiratory issues. 

This March saw record numbers for the whole sargassum belt, measuring at 13 million metric tons, which is about .1% of the ocean’s surface. And according to Professor Chuanmin Hu, who teaches oceanography at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, more seaweed floating in the eastern Atlantic right is going to come to Florida.

Professor Hu states that even more sargassum seaweed should be on the Florida shores as typically sargassum seaweed gathers by the end of May or early June on the Florida coasts. 

He states that a combination of warmer oceans as well as nutrients from the ocean bottom coming to the surface are some of the reasons the sargassum blob is growing to be so large. 

Miami-Dade County has already collected close to 5,000 cubic yards while Broward County so far has collected 920. This is close to 650 yards more than they collected compared to the same time this year.

As sargassum begins to overwhelm the beaches, counties are racing to come up with strategies to clean up both for the safety of humans and for animals. From turtle nesting and other items, there is a massive environmental aspect to this invasive seaweed. 

The massive belt of seaweed is impacting the Yucatán Peninsula and the eastern Caribbean as well, with more to come over the next several weeks and months. 

The post Central Florida Battles Influx Of Sargassum Seaweed appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Fishing and swimming are made more difficult by the seaweed that washes up with each breaking wave.

Miles of algae are expected to wash up on South Florida beaches this summer.

It began to become a reality after a video showed significant quantities of foul-smelling kelp floating offshore and near Marathon’s Cocoplum Beach.

Check out the full video on foxweather.com

Because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream, sargassum tends to be thicker in the nearshore currents of the Florida Keys.

Sporadic onshore currents often bring stains to the shore, which can make for some unpleasant beach days as people have to walk over seaweed and occasionally notice an odor that smells like rotten eggs.

Although seaweed is not dangerous to humans, it can nevertheless have an impact, according to the Florida Department of Health. Small animals that live in the sargassum can cause skin rashes and blisters.

The algae can also contain heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium, so health experts warn against eating it.

Brown algae are considered beneficial to many marine animals. Scientists believe the deposits provide food and shelter for fish, crabs, shrimp and other smaller invertebrates.

Some beachgoers do not seem to care about the seaweed, while others do not want to get near it.

Regardless of how anyone feels about it, the issue needs to be resolved this year.

The Sargassum bloom is so large that it can be seen from space from beaches in Haulover, Hollywood, and Ft. Lauderdale.

According to Florida Atlantic University professor Dr. Brian LaPointe, the seaweed bloom is 13 million tons, in size and twice the size of the United States.

“It doubled in size in January, from December,” he said.

According to scientists, the cause of the algae is unclear. Although, they have been studying it since 2011.

The algae are not expected to deter many beachgoers, and it is still likely that the beaches will be crowded.

The post Multiple Videos Show First Arrival Of Seaweed Blob On Florida’s Beaches appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The size of the sargassum bloom is anticipated to increase, probably peaking in June or July. According to college experts, large-scale strandings are “inevitable” along the east coast of Florida, on the ocean side of the Florida Keys, and in the Caribbean. Major impacts are expected in the coming months, although the exact timing is difficult to predict.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA,) states that the wind, wave, and tidal factors will determine whether it is possible to beach in Florida. 

“Given the complexity of its motion, growth, and decay, it is not possible to forecast the timing of beaching,” NOAA said. “However, given the size and number of the current Sargassum patches, there is a strong chance that Sargassum carried by the Florida Current may reach the Florida coast despite wind and wave conditions.”

Since 2011, according to the NOAA, large accumulations of the algae have been a persistent issue in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the tropical Atlantic.

After washing ashore, it can cause some major issues. Sargassum begins to smell like rotten eggs as it begins to decompose. According to Florida health officials, the hydrogen sulfide released when sargassum decomposes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. For people who have asthma, it might be worse.

Health authorities advise against touching or swimming near the seaweed when people visit beaches after Sargassum has washed up. Organisms living in the seaweed, such as jellyfish larvae, can irritate the epidermis.

The post Massive Seaweed Blob Will Probably Be The Largest Ever Seen In Florida appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.