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Sargassum is critical in the open ocean, but causes harm when washing ashore in mass quantities

Graphic shows the benefits of sargassum in the ocean, how it's push ashore, and the hazards it poses on the beach.

Sargassum plays a critical role as a foundational ecosystem builder in the open ocean, providing habitat, food, and shelter to many marine species. But wind and ocean current pushes this free-floating algae ashore in great quantities, which poses economic and health concerns. 

Learn more about Sargassum and view our most popular infographic of the year! https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sargassum/