Explained in 60 seconds: what is choking Caribbean shores

A record amount of seaweed has invaded the Atlantic Ocean this year, smothering Caribbean shorelines from Puerto Rico to Barbados as tons of brown algae kill wildlife, choke the tourism industry and release toxic gasses.

More than 24 million tons of sargassum blanketed the Atlantic in June, up from 18.8 million tons in May, according to a monthly report published by the University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab that noted "a new historical record."

July saw no decrease of algae in the Caribbean.

Scientists say more research is needed to determine why sargassum levels in the region are reaching record highs, but the United Nations' Caribbean Environment Program noted that possible factors include a rise in water temperatures as a result of climate change and nitrogen-laden fertilizers and sewage waste fuelling algae blooms.

In a phone interview, Lisa Krimsky, a researcher and faculty member with Florida Sea Grant and a water resources regional specialized agent at University of Florida told the Associated Press that 2022 has been the worst year on record.

She said large masses of seaweed have a severe environmental impact, with decaying algae altering water temperatures and the pH balance as well as leading to declines in seagrass, coral reef and sponge populations.

Barbados has been especially hard hit since flying fish make up 60% of the island's annual landed catch, according to the University of the West Indies.

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Activists are also concerned about the plight of endangered turtles, with some dying entangled in the water or unable to lay their eggs given the mat of algae covering the sand.

The so-called "golden tide" also has hit humans hard.

Marlon Jones, a resident of Long Beach on the south coast of Barbados said that "the stench is unbearable, especially at night."

Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency after the U.S. Virgin Islands warned last month of "unusually high amounts" of sargassum affecting water production at a desalination plant near St. Croix that is now struggling to meet demand amid a drought.

Experts first noted large amounts of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea in 2011 some scientists believe were created by stronger than normal winds and currents.

The problem has worsened as clumps near the Sargasso Sea in the north Atlantic Ocean multiplied across the region fueled by nutrients and strong sunlight.

As the carpet of brown algae spreads over the Caribbean islands, it is expected to have a great impact on the important tourism industry, which is still recovering after the two years of COVID pandemic.