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FLORIDA - Despite a record-breaking Sargassum bloom in the Atlantic, Florida is not expected to see significant seaweed impacts due to favorable ocean currents and improved satellite forecasting.
According to researchers at the University of South Florida, satellite observations from USF’s Optical Oceanography Lab showed that Sargassum levels in March reached their highest ever recorded for that month.
The bloom is concentrated in the central Atlantic and spreading into the Caribbean Sea.
However, most of the algae is not on track to reach Florida’s coast.
Ocean currents and wind patterns are currently preventing large amounts of Sargassum from drifting toward the state.
The Gulf of Mexico remains mostly clear, and seaweed located off Florida’s East Coast is not forecasted to wash ashore unless extended onshore winds occur.
While coastal regions in the Caribbean are experiencing heavy Sargassum accumulation, Florida has not seen similar levels. Isolated wash-ups may still happen if local weather conditions change.
New high-resolution satellite tools developed by USF’s College of Marine Science, with support from NOAA, are improving the ability to monitor and forecast Sargassum movement.
The upgraded system can detect seaweed at a resolution of about 50 meters, providing more precise data on where and when accumulations may occur.
This technology is especially useful in areas like the Florida Keys, where Sargassum tends to appear more frequently.
With these forecasting tools, local agencies can better prepare for potential cleanup efforts.
At this time, no large-scale Sargassum landings are predicted for Florida.
Researchers will continue monitoring the bloom’s development throughout the summer.