Sargassum (Phaeophyceae) Weed in Dominican Republic

Observation: Lots of Sargassum, a seaweed, more than they have ever seen in that area.

Comment by LEO Editor: This is our first Sargassum post from a local observer. We have however been monitoring news articles from Florida, Quintana Roo and throughout the Caribbean about the massive deposits of weed fouling beaches this year. Sargassum (Phaeophyceae) is a brown temperate seaweed found throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world. The so called sargasso crisis in the caribean began in 2015 with unusually large deposits Sargassum on the shores of the Caribbean. Another weed event is ongoing with a range of impacts to coastal communities. Mike Brubaker

Resources:

For monitoring of Sargassum conditions see website: Satellite-based Sargassum Watch System (SaWS)

See also article: Sargassum Watch Warns of Incoming Seaweed