Giant Seaweed Mass Visible From Space Threatens Florida Beaches
The sargassum bloom is around 5,000 miles wide – double the width of the U.S. – and is believed to be the largest in history.
Josh Miller
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — A giant seaweed mass – so large it can be seen from outer space – is making its way toward southwest Florida. The sargassum bloom is around 5,000 miles wide, double the width of the U.S., and is believed to be the largest in history.
“What we’re seeing in the satellite imagery does not bode well for a clean beach year,” Brian LaPointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute,
told NBC News.
A SUMMER OF TOXIC FUMES?
Last year, Hurricane Ian pummeled the southwest coast of Florida, putting a damper on the end of the summer season. But this year, as the temperatures get hotter and more people head to the beach, a warning is being issued.
This past week, the southwest coast experienced a flare-up of toxic red tide algae, causing residents to complain of burning eyes and breathing problems. Conditions are expected to worsen throughout the summer.
The bloom, which can provide a habitat for marine life, also has the potential to cause numerous problems. As it travels toward the coastline, it can deprive offshore coral of sunlight. In addition, when the seaweed decomposes, releasing hydrogen sulfide, air and water quality is affected.
The seaweed can block intake valves at power plants and desalination facilities and stop boats from navigating marinas safely. Fish often get caught up in the tangled mess and die, washing up on beaches.
