Sargassum Seaweed Season

What is Sargassum?

Sargassum is type of brown seaweed that drifts on the ocean surface accumulating along beaches and coastlines throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Texas and Florida, including Miami-Dade County annually from March to October. 

Sargassum supports a high level of biodiversity serving as essential habitat for a number of species including fish, marine birds, crustaceans, and endangered species such as sea turtles. 

Is Sargassum a concern?

According to the Florida Department of Health Although the seaweed itself cannot harm people, tiny sea creatures that live in sargassum can cause skin rashes and blisters. As sargassum decomposes, it gives off hydrogen sulfide, a substance with unpleasant odor which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 

Currently, Florida has no regulatory guidelines for exposure to hydrogen sulfide at the beach. Levels of hydrogen sulfide in an outdoor area with arge amounts of airflow are not expected to harm human health.

State and federal environmental regulations prohibit the removal of seaweed, including sargassum, from the water prior to it landing on the shore. 

Keep an eye out for more communication on Sargassum in North Miami.