Project Will Assess Feasibility of In-water Harvesting of Sargassum
The Challenge of the Sargassum Invasion
In the past decade, the proliferation of Sargassum, forming the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, has brought significant challenges to ecosystems and economies across the Caribbean. While this brown seaweed serves as a vital habitat for marine life, its overabundance can harm coastal communities. Particularly for Florida, the invasion of Sargassum in 2022 marked a significant environmental concern, with potential impacts persisting into the present year. The decomposition of Sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, posing threats to both human health and the environment. Addressing the removal of this seaweed presents logistical and economic hurdles, especially when cleanup efforts are delayed.
Addressing the Sargassum Conundrum
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has secured a $1.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Emergency Management. This funding will support a project aimed at assessing the feasibility of in-water harvesting of Sargasum in Florida. Currently, in-water harvesting is prohibited due to Sargasum's designation as an Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and critical habitat for sea turtles, underlining the complexity of managing this issue.
Project Overview: Mitigating Sargassum Inundation Impacts
The project, titled “Mitigating Sargassum Inundation Impacts to Nearshore Waters and Beaches in Florida,” will be led by Dr. Brian Lapointe, a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and a renowned authority on Sargassum and harmful algal blooms. The initiative will examine the environmental and ecological impacts of Sargassum inundations in Florida, focusing on the potential economic and environmental consequences.
Surveying and Assessing Sargassum Inundation Sites
Initial surveys will utilize drones, GoPros, and other remotely operated vehicles to assess Sargassum inundation sites and quantify the size of Sargassum mats. High-resolution aerial images will also be collected to measure the spatial extent of these impacts. A trial removal of Sargassum will be conducted using dip nets to test the viability of harvesting without harming marine animals and other fauna.
Exploring Sustainable Solutions
The project will explore the possibility of repurposing Sargassum biomass for sustainable solutions, such as biofuels and bioplastics. However, concerns regarding arsenic content may limit its industrial applications, prompting further studies on arsenic bioaccumulation in Sargassum.
Evaluating Ecological Impacts
Additionally, researchers will assess the impacts of Sargassum inundations on water quality by measuring various parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and dissolved nutrients. The ecological effects of Sargassum beach harvesting will be evaluated through population studies of common beach macroinvertebrates and comparisons of community composition.
Data from this research endeavor will provide valuable insights for coastal managers, informing decision-making regarding removing Sargassum from beaches and preventing future aggregations. With collaborative efforts from FAU Harbor Branch researchers and co-investigators, including Dr. Rachel Brewton and Dr. Matt Ajemian, this project represents a significant step towards mitigating the impacts of Sargassum on Florida's coastal ecosystems and economy.
As Sargassum blooms' geographic extent and duration continue to escalate, proactive measures such as in-water harvesting may offer viable solutions to address this pressing environmental issue. Through interdisciplinary research and innovative approaches, FAU Harbor Branch is committed to safeguarding Florida's coastal environments for future generations.
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