Miami's Beaches Face a Growing Tide of Seaweed, Officials Say

For Chris Bumpus, summer means one thing: dealing

For Chris Bumpus, summer means one thing: dealing with seaweed. As the head of conservation for Miami-Dade County's parks and recreation department, he oversees the removal of sargassum from 17 miles of local shoreline. But this year, the task has become increasingly difficult.

Sargassum, a floating brown algae, has been arriving in record amounts on South Florida's coasts, as well as along West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. The trend, linked to the climate crisis, has turned what was once a seasonal nuisance into a year-round challenge.

Bumpus and his team work tirelessly to clear the beaches, but they often face an uphill battle. "Some days, it feels like we're fighting a losing war," he said. The algae piles up quickly, sometimes several feet high, and can deter tourists and harm marine life if left unchecked.

County officials have already removed thousands of tons

County officials have already removed thousands of tons of sargassum this season, spending millions of dollars in the process. They are exploring new methods, including offshore barriers and specialized vessels, to manage the influx more effectively.

Local residents and business owners are feeling the impact. Hotels and restaurants near the beach report fewer visitors, and some have started hiring private crews to supplement the county's efforts. "It's become a new normal we have to adapt to," said Maria Lopez, a hotel manager in Miami Beach.

Scientists say the problem is likely to worsen as ocean temperatures rise and nutrient pollution from rivers fuels algae growth. They are calling for more research and regional cooperation to address the root causes.

For now, Bumpus and his crew continue their

For now, Bumpus and his crew continue their daily battle, hoping for a break in the tide. But they know the seaweed is not going away anytime soon. "We're doing everything we can," he said, "but Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who's in charge."