Environmental crisis: The Caribbean records historic levels of sargassum in 2026
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has reached its highest levels of the year during the month of June 2026. According to the most recent reports, this season ranks as the second with the highest accumulation of seaweed since satellite observations began, remaining only behind the historical record registered in 2025.
Distribution of algae in the region
The collected data indicate a massive presence of biomass in various key maritime areas for the Caribbean:
- Eastern Caribbean: Nearly 9 million metric tons were recorded.
- Western Caribbean: The figure reached 3.6 million metric tons.
- Gulf of Mexico: This area recorded 5 million tons, practically doubling its previous record set last year.
This phenomenon, which extends from the coasts of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, is driven by the dynamics of ocean currents and wind patterns, keeping the Caribbean Sea as the main epicenter of this massive accumulation.
Since the appearance of the great belt in 2011, the volume of this floating seaweed in the Atlantic has experienced considerable growth, approximately doubling every five years.
Environmental impact and coastal challenges
While sargassum fulfills a vital function on the high seas by providing shelter to various marine species and contributing to the oxygenation of the water, its massive arrival on the coasts creates serious inconveniences. Among the main risks are:
- Suffocation of marine species and damage to sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrasses.
- Release of hydrogen sulfide during the decomposition process on beaches.
- Negative impact on tourism and the quality of life of coastal communities due to unpleasant odors.
Satellite technology at the service of monitoring
Tracking this phenomenon is possible thanks to cutting-edge technology, highlighting the use of the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) aboard the PACE satellite. This system allows for the detection of algae by measuring the infrared light they reflect, which facilitates the precise calculation of their density and biomass.
Thanks to this constant monitoring, daily and weekly maps are generated that allow authorities and local communities to anticipate influxes, managing the response to the arrival of sargassum on the coasts more effectively.
