Story perspectives

Decomposing Seaweed Causes Odor Concerns at Gloucester Beach

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Gloucester, Massachusetts, decomposing Japanese seaweed, Heterosiphonia japonica, emits a strong odor at Good Harbor Beach.
The smell, resembling rotten eggs, results from the seaweed washing ashore during Hurricane Erin.
First noted on the East Coast in 2009, this invasive species has spread rapidly and is linked to fish die-offs.
Residents find the odor unpleasant, raising concerns about its impact on upcoming events.
Officials assured the public that the odor is a natural occurrence.

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Story summary

In Gloucester, Massachusetts, decomposing Japanese seaweed, Heterosiphonia japonica, emits a strong odor at Good Harbor Beach.
The smell, resembling rotten eggs, results from the seaweed washing ashore during Hurricane Erin.
First noted on the East Coast in 2009, this invasive species has spread rapidly and is linked to fish die-offs.
Residents find the odor unpleasant, raising concerns about its impact on upcoming events.
Officials assured the public that the odor is a natural occurrence.