As I reported in March of 2023, the "Sargassum Sea" has been expanding in the Atlantic Ocean, likely due to nitrogen pollutants and warmer sea waters. While this algal seaweed is a natural component of Subtropical marine environments, it can "soil" beaches and cause damage to reefs if its annual bloom is excessive.
For the beaches of South Florida, the period from April through July is generally the peak season for sargassum "landfalls." Ocean currents, storms and prevailing winds determine which beaches will be most affected and, yesterday morning, we encountered the largest swath that we have ever observed on Longboat Key. Since this long, narrow barrier island is angled from northwest to southeast, it is not surprising that the NW tip was the site of our discovery (see photo).
While humans may not be pleased with such an accumulation of seaweed, the shorebirds were clearly attracted to this nutritious windfall, scouring its surface for a wide variety of marine invertebrates and their eggs. Ruddy turnstones, willets and sanderlings were the primary diners.
See: The Sargassum Belt
