The recent stringy mess on Brevard County beaches hearkens back to the widespread Sargassum algae blooms that hit county beaches in 2014, 2015, 2018 and last year. Beaches with the highest seaweed count include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and some points between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. High-value products from macroalgae: the potential uses of the invasive brown seaweed, Sargassum muticum. But 2018 was among the worst in Florida, Lapointe said, adding that this year could rival that year's bloom. According to Reportur, the amount of sargassum floating in the Central Atlantic Ocean in November 2022 increased to an astounding 6 million tons by December 2022. It is true that several beaches in Punta Cana have seaweed problems. Of course be sure to check our local forecast now and throughout the summer so we can let you know when this seaweed will be setting in. The purpose of this forecasting system is to predict extremely large windrows, rather than patches or debris of seaweed. A year ago, fed by sewage and fertilizers in Brazil and thereabouts, the same seaweed kept coming all summer long. These data are downloaded and processed through a Virtual Antenna System using both standard and customized algorithms. View interactive maps and detailed reports on beaches located in Quintana Roo. Ecosystem Science & Management, Texas A&M University, pp23. JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. This coming summer, our coastline could be extra stinky on the First Coast thanks to an annual phenomenon. Marine Science Home | USF St. Pete | Search, Satellite-based Sargassum Watch System (SaWS). Dierssen, H. M., A. Chlus, and B. Russell (2015). Apart from the Dominican Republic, almost all of the Caribbean countries including Mexico, Barbados, and Belize are affected by this problem. Besides being a stinky and itchy nuisance, experts say were seeing more Sargassum seaweed than usual across the entire Atlantic. In 2022, Punta Canas shoreline experienced a record-breaking influx of seaweed, ruining the beauty of its world-famous beaches and making it difficult for tourists to explore water activities. I wish it was just one thing, but it is a combination of nutrients, and we think those are human sources," she says. University of South Florida researchers predicted a sargassum slurry would find its way to South Florida after watching it blossom in the Caribbean, but early forecasts for 2020 underestimated the . Lindsay said the decaying seaweed could be smelled several streets away from the beach depending on the wind direction. About 70 to 80% of the seaweed is taken away by truck along four miles of . Hu said 2023 will be another major sargassum year, possibly surpassing 2022. Hu, C (2009), A novel ocean color index to detect floating algae in the global oceans, Remote Sens. Remote Sens., 44, 36193625. Noah's Ark for coral:'Daring' coral rescue as officials attempt to safeguard genetics of Florida reef tract. St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA classification are 0.001 and 0.003. Director of Public Works Paul Brazil said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Environmental Protection are working with the town on ways to handle the sargassum during nesting season. The Dominican Republic is best known for its white sandy beaches with turquoise water. Address: 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 Why You Need To Go: The water clarity is reported as moderate here, and while the beach is clear of debris, keep an eye out for some jellies in the water. Depending on winds and current, researchers estimate an early July arrival.. For the second consecutive month, Sargassum abundance in the central Atlantic Ocean doubled, again setting a new historical record. Cancun Sargassum Conditions: Forecast for 2022 It is obvious now that this will be the worst sargassum season in five years. What is the current situation in the Riviera Maya in 2022? A seething tangle of floating trouble is massing for a potential summer assault on Florida beaches as a vast forest of sargassum grows in record amounts in the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Rico Seaweed Problem [2023]: Everything You Need to Know! and high (red). How bad is Sargassum Problem in Punta Cana? This is a record-breaking number, and it indicates that massive waves of sargassum will land on the beaches of Punta Cana and other Caribbean countries in 2023. Sargassum: The What, Where, and Why of this Seaweed, Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats in island-like masses, Govt allocates initial $5 million for removal of sargassums. Most affected Beaches by Sargassum in Punta Cana, Best Sargassum-free Beaches in Punta Cana, Best Place to Stay in Punta Cana to enjoy Sargassum Free Vacation. endobj Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The eyesore can also threaten tourism. More than 24 million tons of sargassum blanketed the Atlantic in June, up from 18.8 million tons in May, according to a monthly report published by the University of South Florida's Optical . We will continue to closely monitor Sargassum coverage, with more updates provided by the end of January 2023. Environ., 167, 229-246. doi: doi:10.1016/j.rse.2015.05.022, Huffard, C. L., S. von Thun, A. D. Sherman, K. Sealey, and K. L. Smith Jr. (2014). *Notice* Yucatan has been changed to Quintana Roo North. In fact, many places in Punta Cana are now protected by seaweed barriers in 2023, and the local hotels also have dedicated staff that works diligently day and night to keep the beaches clean. We know that Punta Cana and other Caribbean countries faced their worst sargassum season in 2022. Sargassum has impacted the Caribbean in so many ways. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. Here's 5 Tips to Save Money Despite Inflation, States Move to Crack Down on Nurses With Fake Diplomas From South Florida Schools, From Haiti Through Liberty City to Top Federal Prosecutor in South Florida: the Unlikely Story of Markenzy Lapointe, Teen in Vicious Attack on Florida Teacher's Aide to Be Charged as Adult, Given $1M Bond, Pompano Beach Pastor Accused of Defrauding Church to Support Drug Habit, Opa-locka Cop, Who Is Town Mayor's Brother, Accused of Beating Wife and Kids for Years. TheCaribbean Sea keepsgifting Central Florida's beaches with moundsof mushy, stinkybrown seaweed. June 2022 had a record high sargassum amount compared to any previous year, according to Hu. Source Hotels in Bayahibe are usually 6 to 12 % cheaper than hotels in Punta Cana. While sargassum can help turtle hatchlings once they hit the water, high mounds on the beach are a barrier to them reaching it. Hours: 7a.m. We are Cayman Islands' most trusted news source. "The month of June in 2022 had a record high Sargassum amount compared to any previous year," said Chuanmin Hu, a professor with the University of South Florida's Oceanography Lab. The 2022 sargassum season began at the beginning of spring due to a rise in sea temperature, which accelerates the reproduction of the seaweed. Washed-up Sargassum:Washed-up Sargassum seaweed sometimes wreaks havoc and reeks; expect it for next several weeks, Pulled from waves:Several pulled from waves after boat capsizes near Melbourne Beach. There are studies looking into renewable ways to convert the seaweed into natural fertilizer, but more research is being done to find long-term solutions. Nitrogen-dense runoff from fertilizers, winds and currents could be a factor too. "The Sargassum amount will likely continue to increase in the following months, more Sargassum will be found in the (Gulf. SIR is the result of the collaboration between the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory This is very rare in history, said USF oceanography professor Chuanmin Hu, about the rapid growth. Outlook of 2022 Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico* In doing so, the plants uptake more arsenic because its in a molecular form that's similar to phosphate. I think it looks gross. The sargassum has a very special color tone, that can differentiate itself from the background water, so even if there is a tiny different we can squeeze the signal out, Hu added. Floating algae often appears in images as slicks over the relatively homogeneous background in the FAI imagery, while ocean circulation patterns may be inferred from the various eddy and plume features in CI imagery. Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at the time released a study that suggestedincreased availability of nitrogen from natural and man-made sources, including sewage, fuels excess Sargassum growth. Sargassum is definitely a big concern for tourists planning a vacation to Punta Cana. "2022 will be another major Sargassum year," stated the bulletin. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. But, the important point to note is that Punta Cana is much better prepared to tackle this problem in 2023 than it was in 2022. Remote Sens. Here we show a few photographs that reveal the serious nature of the problem. Cozumel SEAWEED Problem (2022): A Detailed Guide!! AccordingtoReportur,theamountofsargassumfloatingintheCentralAtlanticOceaninNovember2022increasedtoanastounding6milliontonsbyDecember2022. provide an overview of the risk of sargassum coastal inundation in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico Seaweed Problem [2023]: Everything You Need to Know! Sargassum abundance in the Caribbean Sea will likely increase into early 2023, starting with the Lesser Antilles in January. Last year saw a massive amount of sargassum find its way to the beaches of Cancun and other parts of the coast. Of particular importance are the two customized data products, namely the floating algae index (FAI) to detect floating algae and other materials on the ocean surface, and the color index (CI) to trace ocean circulation features. The bad news, scientists say, is that much more is headed our waythan has ever been documented before. Further details can be found in the January 2023 bulletin below. Disclaimer: This is an experimental product and still subject to validation by NOAA/AOML, NOAA/CoastWatch/OceanWatch, and USF. "We do believe that the Congo River is also contributing to the formation of the bloom in the eastern tropical Atlantic.". Information from the Optical Oceanography Laboratory of the University of South Florida indicates that Sargassum in the Caribbean Sea has increased by more than 100% since December 2021. The University of South Florida Satellite-based Sargassum Watch System has predicted 2018 will be a major bloom year, which is already impacting the Caribbean. LaPointe suggested using floating barriers to keep the seaweed from coming ashore. Mar 27, 2021 - 1:37 pm. Punta can is located on the Atlantic ocean so the water is cooler and rougher. As a result, popular beach destinations on the Dominican Republics northern coast, such as Puerto Plata, are also excellent options for a sargassum-free beach vacation. According to. So, if you are planning a trip to Punta Cana, make sure to check the sargassum conditions on the beach or the place you intend to visit before you plan your trip. But you cant stop it from raining, you cant stop snow, and you cant stop seaweed.. Bayahibes beaches are more relaxed than Punta Canas, with fewer tourists and far fewer vendors trying to sell you souvenirs. You wont have to worry about sargassum if you visit these places at any time of year. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 11 0 R 12 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Its too early to know how much seaweed will reach Floridas beaches, but it has shown up in varying degrees and depths during every major growth year, hitching a ride on the loop current to assail the Keys and areas north from Miami to Jacksonville. Check here to see Dr. Simmons presenting a 3D Model of our waterways for students at Mayport Middle. Pelagic Sargassum community change over a 40-year period: temporal and spatial variability. This summer's Sargassum already has set a record. In other words, with its seaweed-free beaches, relaxed setting, and world-class all-inclusive resorts, Bayahibe is an excellent alternative to Punta Cana. Sargassum decomposes into stinging thick layers on the surface of the water, depleting the oxygen in the water and destroying the marine life in the area. Please be aware that turbidity and sea state strongly affects visibility, and that most likely there are additional narrower and/or smaller mats out at sea. 'Daring' coral rescue as officials attempt to safeguard genetics of Florida reef tract, Why four nesting shorebirds had Palm Beach County officials jumping for joy, How coral is thriving in a trashy, polluted port thrashed by cruise ships, Giant manta ray babies and a study that could save a threatened species, Great hammerhead shark nursery discovered in urban area of Florida, Marine detectives: They're tracking syringes, blood vials, other disgusting stuff that washes up on our beaches. Wang, M., and C. Hu (2016). A decade after the first sargassum blooms were spotted in the South Atlantic, these massive brown mats of macro-algae represent one of the largest ecological threats to the . Playa del Carmen SEAWEED Crisis [2022]: A Detailed Guide!! The APT James makes its way to the Port of Scarborough as sargassum invades the coastline in June 2021. In this article, we have given detailed information about current sargassum conditions and sargassum season in Punta Cana in 2023, and the forecast for sargassum in Punta Cana in 2023. Will there be seaweed in Punta Cana in 2023? According to Reportur, the amount of sargassum floating in the Central Atlantic Ocean in November 2022 increased to an astounding 6 million tons by December 2022. Jim Waymer is an environment reporter atFLORIDA TODAY. Or find him on Twitter:@JWayEnviroor on Facebook:www.facebook.com/jim.waymer, Support local journalismand local journalists like me. the neighborhood (50 km) of each coastal pixel and, computing the difference between those values As we've added more nitrogen from fertilizers, sewage, deforestation and other sources to coastal waters, seaweed and other aquatic plants seek more phosphates to balance their nutrients, Lapointe explained. In fact, experts are predicting that the sargassum crisis in 2023 could be as bad as the one in 2022, or even worse. The webcams below are owned and operated by diffrent companies. 1 0 obj "Nitrogen appears to be increasing in the Atlantic basin, driving these blooms,"Brian Lapointe, a research professor at FAU-Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce. This is the collection of Presentations from the Sargassum Symposium.Feel free to download what you wish. Communiqu de Presse tlchargeable (format PDF) en Franais. Over 46 thousand tonnes of sargassum seaweed are expected to be deposited across Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean in the next week. Green and golden seaweed tides on the rise, Nature, 504:84-88. Over 44 thousand tonnes of sargassum were collected in 2021 alone, with around 30,000 of that being picked up in May alone. Sargassum contains arsenic, which it uptakes from what's naturally in ocean water. When asked why, Dr. Hu noted, we dont know, that is a direct answer. The Galveston Daily News printed an honorable memorial for Robert after his passing. Stay informed on the latest Cancun seaweed conditions, updates, and maps. Tulum SEAWEED Problem [2023]: Everything You Need To Know! This rotting seaweeds huge hips detract from the beauty of pristine beaches, and its rotten egg odor makes water activities and swimming nearly impossible and extremely uncomfortable. For those who would like to contribute with a report of Sargassum sighting, please go to this page. As the days get warmer, the presence of sargassum is expected to increase. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today. Jamaica Seaweed Problem [2023]: Everything You Need To Know!! The SEAS Program leverages Landsat Satellite Imagery in order to identify floating Sargassum mats, and then factors in local wind/surface currents in order to provide a forecast. Visit this Facebook group to check the current sargassum conditions in Punta Cana. Hu said 2023 will be another major sargassum year, possibly surpassing 2022. While not toxic to humans, the rotting seaweed on the sand can create quite a strong odor. Palm Beach vs West Palm Beach for Vacation [2023] :An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose! Gower, J., C. Hu, G, Borstad, and S. King (2006), Ocean color satellites show extensive lines of floating Sargassum in the Gulf of Mexico, IEEE Trans. in the Gulf of Mexico and tropical Atlantic. 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