Story perspectives

Massive Sargassum Blooms Costing Coastal Communities Millions

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Rhode Island say massive sargassum blooms are causing significant economic damage to U.S. coastal communities, costing millions of dollars annually, notably in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The blooms peak in summer and can harm tourism and public health by releasing gases and accumulating toxins.
The study finds sargassum seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and management.
It also links Atlantic environmental changes to increased economic vulnerability in affected coastal regions.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Rhode Island say massive sargassum blooms are causing significant economic damage to U.S. coastal communities, costing millions of dollars annually, notably in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The blooms peak in summer and can harm tourism and public health by releasing gases and accumulating toxins.
The study finds sargassum seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and management.
It also links Atlantic environmental changes to increased economic vulnerability in affected coastal regions.