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FLORIDA - Large amounts of sargassum seaweed are arriving on Florida beaches earlier than normal in 2026, prompting increased cleanup efforts across several coastal communities as scientists monitor growing bloom conditions in the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers and local officials said heavy concentrations of the brown floating seaweed have already been reported across South Florida beaches, parts of the Caribbean and sections of the Gulf Coast.
Scientists studying ocean conditions said warmer water temperatures, shifting weather patterns and elevated nutrient levels are contributing to the growth and spread of the blooms this year.
Beach maintenance crews in several Florida coastal cities have started removing sargassum from shorelines as the seaweed continues washing onto beaches through ocean currents and changing wind patterns.
Areas across Miami Beach and other South Florida coastal communities have reported visible accumulations along portions of the shoreline.
Marine researchers have identified a large stretch of floating seaweed known as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, which extends across parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Scientists said the massive bloom system has expanded significantly in recent years and continues impacting coastal regions throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean islands.
Although smaller amounts of sargassum can provide shelter and nutrients for marine ecosystems, officials said excessive accumulations can create environmental and tourism related concerns.
As the seaweed decomposes on shorelines, it can produce unpleasant odors and affect beach conditions in heavily impacted areas.
Researchers continue monitoring the bloom throughout the 2026 season as cleanup operations remain active across portions of Florida’s coastline.