The predicted largest ever Sargassum seaweed bloom, measuring at 5,000 miles (5,000 miles= approximate distance from Austria to the United States), is bringing to Florida’s beaches plastic–and latched on to the plastic is flesh eating bacteria. This Vibrio bacteria is dangerous for many reasons– and so close to home for many beach-goers. As a Floridian who frequents the beach near my house, I feel that more people should be aware of this alarming issue, as this bacteria raises many concerns for public health and the economy.
To start off, this Sargassum seaweed bloom is far from attractive. Looking at images of it, the Sargassum is unappealingly brown and oddly textured. It also gives off a reportedly pungent odor. Even swimming with small amounts of regular seaweed in the water can still gross me (a seasoned Floridian) out! Therefore, while the seaweed may attract bacteria, it is doing the opposite to tourists. Yes, seaweed is inherently deterring tourists from visiting Florida’s famous beaches– and in turn, negatively affecting Florida’s tourism-based economy.
Next, Sargassum collects plastic debris and with it, Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria (among other things). This bacteria has been found to have flesh-eating qualities; apparently, organisms of this bacteria have the potential to be flesh-eating, but not all are. According to Kristine Hollingsworth, “People who contract Vibrio may undergo amputation, and 1 in 5 who contract Vibrio will pass away.” Who can this be dangerous for? Well, regular beach-goers in Mexico, Florida, and even parts of the Caribbean, environmental enthusiasts or good-meaning citizens participating in beach cleanups with this bacteria “glued” to the plastic, or beach maintenance/clean up crews removing the Sargassum. Don’t forget about marine life either. The Sargassum doubles as a habitat for creatures such as crabs and shrimp, which are in turn scooped up by seagulls and other birds. The problem is the toxicity of the Sargassum, and the plastic entangled in the Sargassum that the organisms using the seaweed as a habitat ingest.
Don’t get too down in the dumps though; the size of the seaweed belt is unexpectedly decreasing.
Overall, take some extra precautions before going to the beach. I would also avoid interacting with nasty-looking seaweed 😂. Stay safe always!
Sources:
https://apple.news/AwUyWIhOjT36wKqiNNKl_3w
Energy for the Environment 
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