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Home » America Travel News » Sargassum Seaweed Surge to Overwhelm Caribbean Resorts, Florida Shores, and Yucatán Peninsula, Shaking Up Tourism This Summer Thursday, June 5, 2025The surge of Sargassum seaweed is set to overwhelm popular coastal destinations this summer, including Caribbean resorts, Florida shores, and the Yucatán Peninsula. With record-breaking blooms expected, the increase in seaweed threatens to disrupt tourism in these regions, which rely heavily on pristine beaches to attract visitors. Environmental factors, including climate change, fertilizer runoff, and ocean currents, have contributed to the dramatic rise in Sargassum levels, forcing local governments and tourism operators to prepare for significant cleanup efforts. The blooms, which bring unpleasant odors and unsightly views, could turn once-idyllic beaches into less appealing destinations, shaking up the tourism industry and impacting vacation plans for thousands of travelers.In May, a record-breaking 37.5 million metric tons of seaweed were detected in the Atlantic Ocean, raising alarms that some Caribbean resorts could soon face an overwhelming influx of the naturally occurring phenomenon. This surge has ignited concerns among environmental experts and tourism officials, particularly in regions dependent on pristine beaches for their economy.According to the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab, the volume of seaweed observed last month marks the largest recorded amount since monitoring began in 2011. Researchers noted that while Sargassum seaweed remains stable in its spatial distribution patterns, the amount of seaweed in every region except the Gulf of Mexico exceeded previous historical records. The total amount of Sargassum increased dramatically from 31 million tons in April to 37.5 million tons in May, setting a new high.In the Gulf Coast and Florida, small amounts of seaweed have already begun to wash ashore, prompting speculation about the timing and extent of larger blooms that could soon affect southern U.S. beaches. The Florida Keys, in particular, are typically impacted by seaweed blooms in late spring, with the greatest effects felt across the Florida peninsula during the summer and fall. As the blooms intensify, beachgoers, local businesses, and experts are on high alert.Eastern Puerto Rico has already seen heavy coverage of the seaweed, and some areas could experience persistent blooms for months. Despite 2025 being expected as a record year for Sargassum, the severity of seaweed invasion on any given beach depends on a mix of factors, including not only the offshore abundance of Sargassum but also local elements such as winds and ocean currents, which can be difficult to predict.Experts point to several factors contributing to the increasing size and frequency of Sargassum blooms. Climate change is thought to be a primary driver, as warmer waters may facilitate greater growth of seaweed. Additionally, fertilizer runoff from agriculture and deforestation in South America are seen as key contributors to the phenomenon. The increase in nutrient-rich waters has likely accelerated the growth of these blooms, resulting in the massive amounts of seaweed washing up on shore.While the seaweed may seem unappealing with its foul smell and unsightly appearance, it does not pose a direct health threat to humans. However, it can significantly disrupt the tourism industry. Popular beaches that typically draw thousands of visitors may become less attractive, as tourists are deterred by the unpleasant odor and sight of rotting seaweed. This could lead to an increase in cleanup efforts, which demand considerable resources from local governments and businesses that rely on the tourism trade.In response to the growing crisis, the Mexican government has ramped up efforts to address the issue, focusing on containment and mitigation measures around dozens of high-traffic beaches along the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean coast. Seaweed tends to wash ashore in these areas between April and October, but its rising frequency in recent years has placed a significant strain on local infrastructure and resources. Climate change has been identified as one of the leading factors behind the increasing severity of seaweed blooms.As the situation unfolds, there is uncertainty about whether Florida will experience the same scale of seaweed coverage that overwhelmed its beaches in 2023. That year, numerous beaches were completely blanketed by the sticky algae, forcing extensive cleanup efforts and disrupting local tourism. Local governments and tourism stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for the possibility of similar conditions in the coming months.The surge of Sargassum seaweed is expected to overwhelm Caribbean resorts, Florida shores, and the Yucatán Peninsula this summer, disrupting tourism with unsightly blooms and unpleasant odors. Climate change and ocean currents have fueled this record surge, threatening the region’s popularity as prime vacation destinations.The growing threat of Sargassum has sparked broader discussions about the intersection of climate change and coastal tourism. As seaweed blooms become more frequent and larger in size, efforts to manage the impact on beaches and preserve local economies will need to be a key priority for affected regions. Although the exact timeline for the arrival and intensity of these blooms remains uncertain, the industry is bracing for a challenging summer ahead.
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