This footage was filmed and produced 9 April 2024.

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has secured a substantial $1.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Emergency Management to combat the persistent issue of Sargassum inundation along Florida's coastlines.

The influx of Sargassum, a brown seaweed, has become a significant concern for Florida's coastal communities, with massive blooms recurring frequently, particularly in the Florida Keys. The seaweed, while providing essential habitats for marine life such as loggerhead sea turtles, poses various challenges, including environmental, economic, and health impacts.

Led by Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and a renowned expert on Sargassum, the project aims to assess the feasibility of in-water harvesting of Sargassum as a solution to mitigate its impacts. The initiative, titled "Mitigating Sargassum Inundation Impacts to Nearshore Waters and Beaches in Florida," will investigate the environmental and ecological effects of Sargassum inundations.

The project involves comprehensive field surveys using advanced technologies such as drones, GoPros, and remotely operated vehicles to assess the extent of Sargassum mats and their impact on coastal ecosystems. High-resolution aerial images will also be collected to measure the spatial distribution of Sargassum inundations.

Furthermore, the research team plans to conduct trial removals of Sargassum using dip nets to evaluate the feasibility of harvesting the seaweed without harming marine life. Samples collected during these operations will undergo detailed analysis to assess arsenic bioaccumulation and its potential impact on industry partners seeking to repurpose Sargassum biomass.

The project also aims to investigate the ecological effects of Sargassum beach harvesting on beach macroinvertebrates and assess the change point where Sargassum ceases to provide essential fish habitat.

Data generated from this research will provide valuable insights for coastal managers in developing effective strategies for Sargassum mitigation and removal. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to maintaining clean and healthy beaches, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and preserving Florida's tourist-based economy.

Co-investigators of the project include Rachel Brewton, Ph.D., a research scientist, and Matt Ajemian, Ph.D., an associate research professor and director of the Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab at FAU Harbor Branch.