The sargassum bloom of seaweed that migrates towards the Florida coasts and the Gulf of Mexico has effects that will put a damper on the Spring break vacations of many. 

   According to Jackie Wattles and Kristen Rogers from CNN, this species of seaweed is one that differs from its harmless relative that regularly washes up on beaches. Sargassum seaweed has a strong smell similar to rotten eggs. While this seaweed is not poisonous to the touch, it can become hazardous to beach-goers when it piles up. The gas emitted can become an issue for those with respiratory problems such as asthma and is also toxic if accidentally ingested. With such large amounts, it also causes issues for ocean life, where it essentially sucks up the oxygen in the water marine life needs to breathe. 

   With spring break only a few days away, the migration of the sargassum bloom could cause concerns, however, it is not a new occurrence. According to CNN, scientists have tracked large amounts of this type of seaweed since 2011, however, this amount has never been seen before. 

   This sargassum bloom has measured around twice the width of the United States at around 5,000 miles with a weight of 10 million tons. The migration could cause a very large and harmful red tide. 

   According to CNN, “The toxins in red tides can harm marine life, and sargassum buildup on beaches can prevent sea turtle hatchlings and adults from getting to sea.” 

   While this is cause for concern for spring break as well as Summer vacations on the horizon, it can look different each year. Scientists do not know if a sargassum bloom of this size will begin to be a regular occurrence for the Florida coasts that people frequent so often, but it has definitely had an impact on those on vacation now. 

   The only possible way around the obstacle of the seaweed monsoon is for large trucks and cleanup crews to crowd the beaches and remove the sargassum. However, these removal methods unfortunately can be very invasive to marine life as well as disturbing to beachgoers.