Story perspectives
Record Sargassum Bloom Threatens Coastal Environments, Tourism
3/3/2026
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Story summary
- A massive sargassum bloom, estimated at 9.5 million tons, stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the western Atlantic.
- Researchers from the University of South Florida say 2026 will be another major year for sargassum.
- On beaches, the seaweed poses problems when it accumulates due to decay releasing hydrogen sulfide.
- The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has reached record levels, affecting coastal environments and tourism.
