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Record 2026 Sargassum Swamps Florida Coast, Health Alerts Issued

6/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists warn 2026 may be a record sargassum year, with near-record 29 million metric tons now covering oceans.
Massive mats have beached Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf shores, prompting the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab to forecast spread to Texas and Louisiana.
Florida health officials advise avoiding contact with seaweed, wearing gloves, and keeping windows closed because rotting sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia that cause odors and respiratory irritation.

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Story summary

Scientists warn 2026 may be a record sargassum year, with near-record 29 million metric tons now covering oceans.
Massive mats have beached Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf shores, prompting the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab to forecast spread to Texas and Louisiana.
Florida health officials advise avoiding contact with seaweed, wearing gloves, and keeping windows closed because rotting sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia that cause odors and respiratory irritation.