Massive Sargassum Seaweed Blob Threatens Florida and Caribbean Tourism.

Masses of seaweed known as the great Atlantic Sargassum belt are drifting towards the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, posing a threat to coastal environments and beach communities. The seaweed is a primary nursery for commercially important fish and provides food, shelter and breeding grounds for an array of sea life. Excessive amounts of sargassum can threaten and even kill critical near-shore ecosystems, such as coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves. The seaweed also poses economic and human health threats, as it can block access to the water and release hydrogen sulfide, which can be a hazard to people with asthma.