31 million tons of Sargassum on the way to the beaches of Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean
Sargassum in the Atlantic Ocean has reached record levels in 2025, with an estimated volume of 31 million tonsaccording to the Sargassum Watch System (SAWS)an initiative of the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida (USF). This marks one 40% increase About the previous record in June 2022.
Extend 5,500 Nautical miles From the west coast from Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, this enormous belt of floating algae influences the most important regions of the Caribbean, as well as the coastline of Florida, including the Florida Keys” Key BiscayneAnd other popular tourist areas. Satellite images issued by USF and Noaa Coral Reef Watch illustrates the enormous size of this flowering, which is expected to continue to expand in the coming months.
The proliferation of these marine macro algae poses Environment, health and economic challengesEspecially for tourism-dependent destinations in Mexicothe United Statesand the Caribbean Islands. Researchers from both the US and Mexico attribute the growth of Sargassum to a mix of factors, including climate change” Excessive use of fertilizerAnd The removal of nutrients From large river basins such as the Amazon and the Mississippi.
Unprecedented volume in 2025
The University of South Florida reported that in April 2025The total volume of Sargassum in the central and western tropical Atlantic Ocean reached approximately 31 million tons. This data, collected via satellite and processed via the SAWS system, represent the highest level that has been registered since the monitoring began in 2011.
According to Brian LapointeA researcher at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute by Florida Atlantic UniversityThis year’s increase is roughly represents 40% more Then the peak of 2022. In reactions reported by CNN, Lapointe noted that the growing season is still ongoing, which means that the volume can continue to rise.
The closest concentrations are detected in the Central and West -atlanticfloat with ocean currents to the Caribbean Seathe Mexico waveand the East Coast of the United States. Significant patches have also been observed from the coast of Brazil and along the Lesser Antilles.
Impact on Florida, Mexico and the Eastern CaribbeaN
Recent updates from Noaa Coral Reef Watch and local media such as such as The Miami Herald Indicate that Sargassum has already started influence The east coast of FloridaWith visible structure on beaches such as such as Miami Beach and ports such as Dinner Key Marina. Photos taken May 8 Show large masses of algae surrounding boats and washing ashore.
In Mexicothe Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) by Quintana Roo has more than deployed 9 kilometers of floating barriers outside the coast of Playa del Carmen” Puerto MorelosAnd Mahahual To limit the landing of Sargassum. Governor Mara Lezama Share via social media that these efforts are coordinated with the Mexican Navy (Semar)who also performs offshore collection -edits.
Other affected regions include Eastern Caribbean Islands as Barbados” GuadeloupAnd Dominicwhere local tourist associations one decline of hotel bookings Due to the presence of Sargassum on beaches, according to the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism.
