Explore

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches swathed in record levels of seaweed

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches swathed in record levels of seaweed

Swaths of sargassum are blanketing the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, suffocating shorelines and snuffing out marine life while spooking visitors in areas that depend heavily on tourism

A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico

A blanket of seaweed smothers coastlines from the Caribbean to Mexico

Swaths of sargassum are blanketing the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, suffocating shorelines and snuffing out marine life while spooking visitors in areas that depend heavily on tourism

Seaweed Blooms Threaten Caribbean and Gulf Coastlines, Affecting Tourism

Seaweed Blooms Threaten Caribbean and Gulf Coastlines, Affecting Tourism

Massive seaweed blooms, particularly sargassum, are covering coastlines from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico. This year marks a significant increase in the amount of seaweed, with 27 million metric tons recorded in July alone. The blooms are attributed to factors such as agricultural runoff and climate change. The Mexican government is investing heavily to combat the issue, but the sheer volume of seaweed presents a formidable challenge. The situation is exacerbated by the foul odor and the impact on marine life, which are deterring tourists from visiting these popular destinations.

Explainer-As sargassum seaweed piles up, Caribbean bets on boats, barriers and biofuel

Explainer-As sargassum seaweed piles up, Caribbean bets on boats, barriers and biofuel

By Sarah Morland MEXICO CITY, July 31 (Reuters) - Hundreds of Mexican hotel workers, tractor operators and specialized Navy personnel are heading out to the beach each day at dawn to clean record masses of rotting sargassum seaweed off pristine Caribbean coastlines around popular tourist resorts.

Great White Shark 'Contender' Spotted Along US and Canada Coasts Amid Rising Sightings

Great White Shark 'Contender' Spotted Along US and Canada Coasts Amid Rising Sightings

The largest tagged male great white shark in the Atlantic, named Contender, has been tracked moving along the US and Canadian coastlines. This comes amid a surge in shark sightings, attributed to rising ocean temperatures. Contender, nearly 14 feet long and weighing over 1,650 pounds, was last located off Nova Scotia, Canada. The shark's movements are part of a broader trend where warming waters are altering the habitats of various shark species, bringing them closer to human-populated areas. Researchers note that while shark attacks remain rare, the changing ocean conditions could increase human-shark interactions.

Mediterranean Sea Warming Threatens Biodiversity with Invasive Species

Mediterranean Sea Warming Threatens Biodiversity with Invasive Species

The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing significant warming due to climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels. This warming has led to the introduction and spread of hundreds of invasive fish species, which are decimating native populations. Scientists have identified the Mediterranean as a climate change 'hot spot,' with temperatures expected to rise by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius by 2100. The enclosed nature of the sea prevents heat dissipation, exacerbating the warming effect. Invasive species such as the spotted puffer fish and lionfish are moving towards France and Spain, having entered through the Suez Canal. These species pose a threat to local biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities that rely on traditional fishing practices.

El Niño's Impact on Marine Life: Unusual Sea Creatures Expected Along U.S. Coasts

El Niño's Impact on Marine Life: Unusual Sea Creatures Expected Along U.S. Coasts

The intensifying El Niño phenomenon is expected to bring significant changes to marine ecosystems along the U.S. Pacific coast. Warmer waters are anticipated to attract unusual marine species, including various sharks, rays, and tropical fish, to areas where they are not typically found. This shift is due to the suppression of nutrient-rich upwelling, which normally supports local marine life. The phenomenon is also linked to broader ecological impacts, such as changes in fish abundance and distribution in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Scientists are preparing for a 'sharky summer' as juvenile white sharks and other species move northward, following the warm water currents.

Intensifying El Niño Brings Unusual Marine Life to U.S. Waters

Intensifying El Niño Brings Unusual Marine Life to U.S. Waters

An intensifying El Niño is forecast to significantly alter marine ecosystems along the U.S. Pacific coast, particularly California, by bringing warmer-than-normal waters and unusual marine species northward. This phenomenon, described as creating a 'whole different ocean,' is expected to result in increased sightings of juvenile white sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, sea snakes, and other aquatic life typically found in warmer climates. Scientists attribute these changes to the suppression of nutrient-rich upwelling caused by El Niño, which disrupts food chains and shifts animal populations. The effects of El Niño extend globally, influencing rainfall patterns, fish harvests, and animal behaviors in regions such as the Amazon, Congo, and Atlantic coasts. Researchers are closely monitoring these developments, which are compounded by an ongoing marine heat wave and climate change. Source time: Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT.

NASA Tracks Record Sargassum Growth in the Atlantic Ocean

NASA Tracks Record Sargassum Growth in the Atlantic Ocean

NASA's PACE satellite has recorded significant growth in Sargassum, a type of brown algae, in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The Sargassum Belt, which stretches from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, reached its second-highest level in June 2026. The Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico saw record-high amounts of Sargassum, with the algae impacting marine life and coastal communities. While Sargassum provides habitat and oxygen in moderate amounts, excessive growth can harm marine ecosystems and affect tourism due to its decomposition releasing hydrogen sulfide.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Faces New Twist From El Niño

Atlantic Hurricane Season Faces New Twist From El Niño

A strengthening El Niño could influence the rest of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season by increasing upper-level wind shear and limiting tropical development. Forecasts suggest a 90% chance of a super El Niño forming by season’s end, potentially reducing storm activity later in the year. However, experts warn that fewer storms do not mean fewer risks, as unusually warm waters near the US coast could allow storms to rapidly strengthen close to land. The Gulf Coast, Carolinas, and Caribbean remain areas to watch.

Millions of U.S. Homes Face Elevated Hurricane Risk Despite Quieter 2026 Season

Millions of U.S. Homes Face Elevated Hurricane Risk Despite Quieter 2026 Season

A recent report highlights the growing risk of hurricanes for millions of U.S. homes, despite forecasts for a quieter 2026 season. Researchers are observing a trend of storms intensifying more rapidly, with a larger proportion reaching Category 3 or higher. Warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are identified as key factors that may trigger rapid intensification just before landfall. This phenomenon reduces preparation and evacuation time for affected communities. Florida remains the state with the highest hurricane risk due to its dense population and high property values, posing challenges for homeowners, insurers, and local governments. The Gulf Coast is also highlighted as a region vulnerable to storm surge and sudden intensification risks. (Source: reflector.com, Source time: Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:55:36 GMT)

The Mediterranean's warming waters are drawing hundreds of invasive species

The Mediterranean's warming waters are drawing hundreds of invasive species

Scientists say climate change is heating the Mediterranean Sea, inviting invasive fish species that harm native populations