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Related video above: Fishermen discuss the effects of sargassum in May 2025
(NEXSTAR) – Researchers have observed that the ocean’s sargassum seaweed is flourishing at unprecedented levels, and even more growth is anticipated.
In just a month, these floating seaweed masses have expanded dramatically from 9.5 million tons to 13.6 million tons. As temperatures rise, conditions are favorable for further proliferation. This increase could lead to beaches being overwhelmed by the odorous seaweed, mirroring past incidents.
According to the University of South Florida’s February report, “Due to the persistent growth from November through February and the record-setting sargassum levels in numerous areas, 2026 is poised to be another significant year for sargassum.”
While sargassum causes few issues when adrift at sea, trouble arises as it reaches the shore. There, it decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a smell akin to rotten eggs and potentially aggravating respiratory issues in those who are sensitive.
Some parts of the Caribbean, including the coasts of Mexico, Belize and Honduras, have already started seeing sargassum on beaches, according to USF. Pictures from Cuba show the sargassum starting to encroach on streets in Havana.
Spring break hot spots in Mexico, like Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, have also seen tons of the seaweed wash up early in the season, reports Mexico News Daily. The tourism industry is bracing for one of the worst years ever for sargassum.
“This year is going to be terrible,” Rosa Rodríguez, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Institute of Limnology and Marine Sciences, told the outlet.
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Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoît Durand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) -
Cars drive along the Malecon covered with sargassum seaweed in Havana on January 21, 2026. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images) -
Sargassum seaweed covers part of a sandy beach after washing ashore in the Caribbean Sea, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, France January 4, 2026. The brown algae accumulation illustrates coastal marine pollution on the shoreline. (Photo by Benoit Durand / Hans Lucas / Getty Images)
In the coming months, more beaches around the West Caribbean will likely be inundated. Researchers say beaching may happen next in the Lesser Antilles, a long chain of islands from east of Puerto Rico to Aruba.
A piece of good news: The amount of sargassum in the Gulf is relatively low, at least for now.
As the blooms are expected to grow in the coming months, tourism destinations from Florida to Cancun have been trying to prepare. The Mexican Navy has joined the effort to collect and clean up the sargassum, according to Border Report.
The Florida Department of Health recommends beachgoers avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed. The small creatures that live inside it, like jellyfish larvae, could sting or cause your skin to itch.
The department also suggests using gloves if you have to handle sargassum and closing windows if you live near the beach to avoid breathing issues and bad smells.