NewsThe Miami HurricaneSeptember 9, 2026Miami-Dade County
University of South Florida Researchers Investigate Heavy Sargassum Accumulation on Miami Beach
University of South Florida scientists report that the current sargassum seaweed season in Miami-Dade is among the worst on record, with seaweed piling up faster and thicker than usual on local beaches.
Read the full story at The Miami HurricaneWhy It Matters
Heavy accumulation on local beaches affects coastal environments and public recreation areas in Miami-Dade.
Key Facts
- Beaches across Miami-Dade are experiencing unusually fast and thick accumulations of sargassum seaweed.
- Scientists at the University of South Florida state that the current season is one of the worst on record.
- Sargassum is described as a brown seaweed covered in small, berry-like air bladders that form large floating mats in the open ocean.
Who's Mentioned
locationMiami Beach“Beaches seeing piles of seaweed”locationSargasso Sea“Original home of the sargassum seaweed.”OrganizationUniversity of South Florida“Researchers tracked the influx of sargassum seaweed.”OrganizationThe Miami Hurricane“Publisher of the news article”PersonEdward Reed“Freshman student interviewed about beach conditions.”OrganizationAdvanced Materials Research Lab“Location where research team conducted material studies.”OrganizationGlobal News“Reported on the impact of sargassum on coastal tourism.”OrganizationVoLo Foundation“Created the VISTA award.”locationMiami-Dade“Beaches experiencing seaweed accumulation.”otherVISTA award“A $25,000 competitive grant honoring graduate student research.”PersonRose Flannery“UM architecture student researching water systems and sargassum solutions.”PersonAli Ghahremaninezhad“Doctor assisting with the award-winning research.”