SARGASSUM (SEAGRASS)

It's brown, ugly and smells bad and is prevalent this year especially in the Caribbean and Mexico.  It is an important part of our eco system that has been around for hundreds of years.  It normally "blooms" in the Sargasso Sea (North Atlantic) from May-August and the currents, tide and winds push it towards our popular beaches.  We can't ignore it, but we can live with it and look for ways to help clean it up.  
Research shows that it flourishes from Nitrogen and Phosphorus land based runoffs that wash into the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers.  Climate change as well as the Deep Horizon oil spill in 2010 have contributed to it as well.  The chemical used to breakdown the oil spill produced nitrogen which in turn fertilized the "sea grass." We for sure don't like walking or swimming in it-is it harmful?  Yes and no-if large layers are trapped in coves then the air can become toxic-other than that no.  Most resorts try to keep the sea grass at a minimum by raking daily.  Actually, 85% of the Cancun beaches remain free of this and remember, you can still enjoy the area you are visiting.  Check out museums, restaurants, inland activities and enjoy the view of the ocean from your infinity pool at the resort.  Do not let this deter your vacation.