Sargassum 2025: Ecological and economic crisis in the Caribbean and Florida

14-04-25

In the spring of 2025, the Caribbean and the southeastern coast of Florida are facing an unprecedented environmental crisis due to the massive accumulation of sargassum, a type of marine macroalgae that has reached record levels. According to the Optical Oceanography Laboratory at the University of South Florida, the total amount of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the western Atlantic increased by 150% in April compared to the historical average for that month.

This phenomenon has had significant impacts on beaches, affecting tourism, coastal ecosystems, and local communities. In the eastern Caribbean and the western Atlantic, sargassum levels have been 200% higher than the averages recorded between 2011 and 2024. The accumulation of sargassum on beaches produces foul odors, degrades the visual appeal of coastal landscapes, and can cause health problems for nearby populations.

The causes of this surge include higher sea temperatures, nutrient runoff from agricultural activity in South America and Africa, and changes in ocean currents that transport large sargassum blooms toward the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the proliferation of sargassum has been linked to climate change and increasing nutrient levels in the ocean.

Authorities and local communities have implemented various strategies to mitigate the impact of the sargassum. In the Riviera Maya, for instance, cleanup crews have been mobilized, and containment barriers have been installed to prevent the algae from reaching the shore. Moreover, industrial uses for sargassum are being explored, such as the production of biofertilizers and biofuels.

However, these efforts require international coordination and substantial investment to be effective. The Dominican Republic, for example, is promoting international collaboration to address the issue and transform sargassum into an economic opportunity.

The sargassum crisis in 2025 presents a complex challenge that demands coordinated regional and international action. It is crucial to address the underlying causes of the phenomenon—such as climate change and pollution—in order to mitigate its impacts and protect both coastal ecosystems and local economies.

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