Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt
Coverage of Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt in the Nexus archive.
- A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico
A massive sargassum bloom is covering coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico, harming marine life and tourism. Mexico plans to invest $115 million to address the crisis, as the algae reaches record levels for the second consecutive year.
- A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico
Sargassum seaweed is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, harming marine life and tourism. Mexico plans to invest $115 million to address the crisis, as decomposing seaweed drives away visitors and disrupts local economies.
- A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico
Massive amounts of sargassum seaweed are covering Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, harming marine life and tourism. Mexico plans to invest $115 million to address the issue, but removal efforts are insufficient as decomposing seaweed drives away visitors and threatens local economies.
- A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico
Swaths of seaweed are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, suffocating marine life and harming tourism. Scientists report 27 million metric tons of sargassum in July 2025, with Mexico investing $115 million to address the crisis. The algae is now growing locally instead of being carried by currents, marking a significant shift from historical patterns.
- All hands on deck to tackle Mexico’s sargassum seaweed crisis
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced an $115 million plan to manage 9 million tons of sargassum seaweed washing onto Quintana Roo beaches daily, involving naval vessels, barriers, and improved beach collection methods. Scientist Debashish Bhattacharya linked the crisis to the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, fueled by Saharan dust, rising temperatures, and pollution.
- Record seaweed invasion leaves beachgoers gagging as fumes raise health fears
A record amount of sargassum seaweed is washing ashore in South Florida, creating unsightly mounds and noxious odors from decomposing hydrogen sulfide gas. Health officials warn the gas can irritate respiratory systems, particularly for those with asthma, as seaweed coverage reaches 4% of the ocean's surface. The expansion of the 'Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt' since 2011 is linked to shifting wind patterns.