POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade

FAU researcher reports record-breaking sargassum seaweed levels impacting Florida coastlines

A Florida Atlantic University researcher reports that sargassum seaweed blooms have reached record levels, with 33 million tons recorded this year following a record 38 million tons in 2025. The seaweed accumulation is causing environmental damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds while posing potential respiratory risks to humans.

environmentmarine biologytourismpublic health
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

The continued accumulation of affects local tourism, marine ecosystems, and public air quality for residents and visitors in coastal Florida.

Key Facts

  • Researchers estimated 38 million tons of sargassum in 2025, the largest year on record.
  • The 2026 estimate for sargassum volume is 33 million tons.
  • Accumulated sargassum blocks sunlight from reaching seagrass beds and coral reefs.
  • Decomposing sargassum lowers oxygen levels in water and releases foul-smelling gases.
  • Prolonged exposure to the gases released by decomposing sargassum may cause respiratory distress in humans.
  • Sargassum blooms are negatively impacting tourism in affected coastal areas.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFlorida Atlantic University“Academic institution conducting research on sargassum”organizationSunbeam Television Corp.“Copyright holder of the news article”personEllyn Willse“Graduate research assistant at Florida Atlantic University”