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

Published on: 12/28/2023
Research Area(s): Social Media

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/

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