Sargassum quantities in the Central Western Atlantic and the Caribbean Region have shown an increasing trend over the first quarter of 2025, with increases seen across both the western and eastern Atlantic regions. The month of February had a decline in the total quantity of sargassum, but this has been seen in previous years. Large increases were seen in all regions over the months of March 2025, which is supported by observations in the field. The University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab has been examining satellite images to track the Sargassum blooms over the years, and states: “As predicted last month, the Sargassum amount in each of the 5 regions increased in March, with most increases in the eastern Caribbean Sea and tropical Atlantic. Such increases are due to both local growth and physical transport. What is noteworthy is that the total Sargassum amount in the tropical Atlantic as well as for all regions combined reached a new historical record for the same
month of March.” The maps below, with warm colours representing high abundance, highlight the latest outlook for the region affected by Sargassum.
Sargassum particularly over the month of March. Concerning for us is that the month of March 2025 represents a new historical record for the month, and there is still a significant amount of Sargassum located eastward of the Caribbean island chain. The upcoming months are expected to see continual increases in Sargassum throughout the region, and we should be prepared for a major Sargassum year.
I urge all stakeholders to stay vigilant as it relates to sargassum, and to consider mitigation practices which affect Sargassum in a non-destructive way for the surrounding environment. There is a tremendous amount of work being done on the Sargassum problem, investigating its causes, developing tracking and forecasting systems, and identifying solutions. However, Sargassum will continue to affect us all if we cannot collectively identify practices which reduces its negative impacts while still maintaining the quality of life both humans and the environment. Additionally, as the roots of Sargassum are firmly entrenched in the Climate Change issue, and our poor management of our natural resources, we must do more to ensure this planet we call home is treated with the respect it deserves.
The Islands of the Caribbean, including Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda, have been affected by Sargassum Seaweed (Sargassum sp.) since 2011. Sargassum blooms appear to originate off the coast of South America and have been affecting the Caribbean Island chain with varying ecological and anthropogenic/economic effects.
