Why is there so much seaweed on the beach in Florida?
Why is there so much seaweed on the beach in Florida? Fertilizer runoff and sewage dumped into the ocean have fed sargassum more nutrients, while climate change has warmed ocean waters and given the seaweed a more hospitable environment in which to grow.
Does Clearwater beach have sargassum?
At this time, red tide is not present on St. Pete/Clearwater's beaches. Although many national news outlets reported about a massive seaweed or sargassum blob coming to Florida this summer, this is not affecting the beaches of St. Pete/Clearwater in any way.
Why is there so much sargassum in Florida?
The sargassum seaweed that is washing up in mass amounts on South Florida beaches is carried from off the coast of Brazil by oceanic currents, finally arriving via the Gulf Stream to be blown ashore by the prevailing onshore winds.
What month is sargassum worse?
Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.
What Florida beaches will be affected by seaweed in 2023?
no matter how much Sargassum we'll land on the east coast beaches, the west coast of Florida is largely spared every year [and] this year is no exception, Dr. Hu says. Nevertheless, they still anticipate there will soon be an impact on beaches in South Florida where the brown seaweed washes ashore.
Is seaweed a problem in Florida?
Florida's seaweed season typically runs from April until October, peaking in June and July. The seaweed comes in waves, depending on currents and wind direction. The seaweed itself is not harmful to humans, but decaying sargassum on beaches releases hydrogen sulfide that can impact people with breathing issues.
Will Florida be hit with the big seaweed?
While the 2023 sargassum bloom isn't as large as originally expected, it will still be a major year for the algae and the lab expected it to continue increasing in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico in March. It is expected to travel west from the Caribbean Sea and become a hazard on some beaches in Florida.
Is it illegal to take seaweed from the beach in Florida?
Of primary importance is the condition that seaweed cannot be removed from the beach. Seaweed can only be hand raked to the toe of the dune. Anyone wishing to apply for a beach raking permit can apply at the Town's Building Department.
Is it safe to swim in sargassum?
? Avoid touching or swimming near seaweed to avoid stinging by organisms that live in it. ? Use gloves if you must handle seaweed. ? Stay away from the beach if you experience irritation or breathing problems from hydrogen sulfide—at least until symptoms go away. ? Close windows and doors if you live near the beach.
Which beach has no sargassum?
Playa Porto Mari on Curacao, Dutch Caribbean One of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao also happens to be one of the best Caribbean beaches without sargassum. Located on the west coast of the island of Curacao, Playa Porto Mari is a private beach which means there is an entrance fee.
What is the sargassum problem 2023?
2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for sargassum, a type of brown macroalgae now starting to wash up on beaches across the Caribbean. The thick dead tangled heaps of seaweed stink like rotten eggs and could cost many millions in holiday revenues this summer.
What is the best beach to avoid sargassum?
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Playa Norte is a dazzling beach in the Caribbean without sargassum seaweed. This beach is a perfect white sand haven for vacationers to take a break from their busy lives.
What month is best to avoid sargassum?
From October to May to avoid seaweed If you want to dip into sargassum-free beaches, the best season is from October to May. Fun Fact: Some resorts like Seadust Cancun have made efforts to keep the seaweed from arriving at the shore by implementing a marine-life-friendly barrier.