Get ready for another season of sargassum in the Caribbean, folks. Researchers are reporting record-breaking levels of this brown seaweed in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, and that includes our beloved Cancun. The University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab (OOL) dropped a bombshell, stating that April’s sargassum bloom was a whopping 40% higher than the previous all-time high recorded in June 2022. That makes 2025 a new record-breaking year for sargassum.
Just How Much Seaweed Are We Talking About?
According to Dr. Chuanmin Hu, a professor of Oceanography at USF, the amount of sargassum out there is “huge.” He explains that a 5% or 10% increase over a record isn’t typically a major concern, but a 40% jump is significant. Right now, there’s an estimated 30 million metric tons of the stuff floating around the tropical Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. You might recall videos from April showing beaches already experiencing sargassum inundation, and the big question on everyone’s mind is: how much more can we expect, and when will it arrive in Cancun?
Will Cancun’s Beaches Be Overrun?
The OOL’s April bulletin suggests that, similar to previous years, the sargassum bloom is expected to continue growing in May across most of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. However, Dr. Hu offers a bit of caution. Even with this massive amount of sargassum, whether or not it actually washes up on Cancun’s beaches depends on local winds and tides.
The good news for those of you enjoying the beaches right now is that the winds aren’t currently favorable for a major sargassum influx. But the bulletin also notes that “sargassum inundation will continue to occur in most of the Caribbean nations and islands.” So, while we might catch a break for now, it’s likely we’ll see more seaweed on our shores in the coming weeks and months.
When Could We See More Sargassum in Cancun?
Predicting the exact timing of sargassum hitting the beach is tricky. There are just so many factors influencing its movement and growth. For the time being, Dr. Hu points out that “the majority of sargassum is really far away.” While there’s a moderate amount in the western Caribbean Sea, he estimates it will take a month or more for that seaweed to potentially reach Florida. Cancun’s location further south in the Caribbean means we could see impacts from this western Caribbean sargassum sooner.
What’s Causing This Massive Increase in Seaweed?
Researchers know that sargassum thrives on sunlight and nutrients, allowing it to grow rapidly. However, the precise reasons behind these massive blooms are still being investigated. Dr. Hu speculates that stronger than usual winds this year might be bringing more nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, fueling the sargassum’s growth. Warmer than usual ocean temperatures are also likely contributing, creating a more favorable environment for the seaweed. The sheer size of the ocean makes it challenging for scientists to gather comprehensive data and make precise predictions about bloom size.
Is Sargassum All Bad?
While large amounts of sargassum on our beautiful beaches are certainly a nuisance, it’s important to remember that this seaweed plays a vital role in a balanced ocean environment. Dr. Dennis McGillicuddy from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explains that “like many other things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and that’s what we’ve seen in the recent blooms of sargassum.”
Excessive sargassum can block sunlight, harming seagrasses and coral reefs. It also poses problems for nesting sea turtles, preventing adults from reaching the shore to lay eggs and making it difficult for hatchlings to reach the ocean. The cleanup efforts are also costly, with local governments spending significant amounts of money to remove the seaweed and then facing the challenge of where to dispose of it.
So, while you’re planning your sunny getaway to Cancun, be aware that sargassum is likely to be a factor. While the exact timing and amount are still uncertain, it’s shaping up to be a significant season for this seaweed in the Caribbean. Stay tuned to The Cancun Sun for the latest updates and tips on navigating sargassum season!
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