Fermenting algal carpet twice as wide as the US has reached Florida

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A giant carpet of seaweed twice as wide as the mainland United States is moving toward Florida and other shores in the Gulf of Mexico. About 6.1 million tons of the Gulf Tang seaweed genus threatens to dump smelly and potentially harmful piles of algae on beaches as the tourist season kicks off. The authorities are nervous. The algae turn the turquoise blue water brown and cover the white sandy beaches. Moreover, they are not harmless.

Gulf tangs are an extremely species-rich genus of brown algae found both fixed and free-swimming in warmer seas around the world. Sargassum – a specific type of seaweed – has long produced large blooms in the Atlantic Ocean. As CNN reports, scientists have been observing massive accumulations since 2011. This year’s bloom is expected to be the largest ever, stretching more than 5,000 miles from the coasts of West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico.

The exact reason for the sudden explosive growth of the algae is unclear. The New York Times quotes Florida Atlantic University marine researcher Brian Lapointe as saying the excessive growth may be related to the introduction of nitrogen and phosphorus into the oceans from major rivers such as the Amazon, Congo or Mississippi.

Columbus already described the seaweed

The first algal cloud outgrowths have already washed up in Key West on the southeastern tip of the US, on beaches on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and on Caribbean islands, marine researchers from the University of South Florida reported. When the algae decompose after landing, they release hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs. The gas is not dangerous but can irritate eyes and respiratory tract.

In addition, microorganisms living in the algae can cause skin rashes. Researchers also warn against consuming the algae or using it as a fertilizer. The seaweed may contain large amounts of heavy metals such as arsenic or cadmium.

The Italian explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), who discovered America in 1942, had already described Sargassum in the 15th century. Seaweed recognized seaweed as a sign of shallow water. They feared that Columbus’ ship Santa Maria would become entangled in the seaweed and run aground. Columbus wrote during the quiet calm that he was afraid to even return to Spain. (kes)

Source: Blick