University of South Florida researchers are warning Brevard County residents to expect a record amount of sargassum seaweed washing ashore this summer. The forecast comes as satellite data shows unprecedented blooms of the thick, green seaweed in the Atlantic, driven by climate change and coastal pollution. Beaches from Cocoa to Melbourne are already seeing early signs of the annual invasion, with clumps of the smelly seaweed washing up along the coast this week.
The USF Sargassum Bulletin, released March 31, states 2026 is likely to exceed 75% of historical sargassum levels. Scientists note the seaweed is growing more abundant each year, with storms pushing it from the Caribbean and Florida Keys toward southeast Florida. 'The amount in most regions will continue to increase in the coming month,' the report says, citing satellite imagery showing record masses of the seaweed in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Florida coast.
Local beachgoers are already dealing with the mess. At Cocoa Beach, visitors comb through sargassum piles hoping to find sea beans and other treasures. But officials warn the seaweed can be dangerous. The Florida Department of Health says tiny jellyfish larvae trapped in the seaweed can cause skin irritation, while decomposing sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs. The gas can irritate eyes, noses, and throats, with asthma sufferers particularly vulnerable.
County officials say cleanup efforts will ramp up in June, but residents are urged to prepare. 'This is going to be worse than last year,' said one lifeguard, who declined to be named. 'We’re seeing more seaweed earlier, and it’s thicker. It’s going to be a challenge for everyone.' The USF team is monitoring the situation closely, with updates expected weekly as the seaweed continues its slow march toward the Space Coast.