The Impending Arrival of a Massive Seaweed Belt to US Coastlines.

A giant seaweed belt, twice the width of the United States, is expected to hit Florida's southeast coast and the ocean side of the Florida Keys in late spring and early summer. The sargassum, a floating brown algae, can cause breathing issues and smells like rotten eggs as it decays. Scientists are monitoring satellite imagery to identify areas where beaching may occur. The seaweed's geographic area has massively expanded since 2011, and it covers about 0.1% of the ocean's surface. The Florida Department of Health recommends avoiding touching or swimming near the seaweed and using gloves if handling it.