While the 2023 sargassum bloom isn't as large as originally expected, it will still be a major year for the algae and the lab expected it to continue increasing in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico in March. It is expected to travel west from the Caribbean Sea and become a hazard on some beaches in Florida.

Yes, the Caribbean is forecasted to experience a major sargassum (seaweed) year in 2026. Satellite observations from early 2026 have revealed massive accumulations of brown macroalgae in the eastern Caribbean and the tropical Atlantic, with abundance levels reportedly 75% above historical averages. Oceanographers from the University of South Florida and regional partners warn that beaching events are likely across the Mexican Caribbean (Riviera Maya) and several Lesser Antilles islands (such as Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and Antigua) throughout the spring and summer. While sargassum in the water is harmless to swimmers, once it washes ashore and begins to decompose, it releases hydrogen sulfide, which creates a strong "rotten egg" smell and can cause respiratory irritation. For 2026, many beachfront resorts have implemented advanced containment booms and mechanical removal strategies to protect their shorelines. Travelers are advised to check local "seaweed trackers" or choose leeward (western) side beaches, which are generally less affected by the massive floating "blobs" moving in from the Atlantic.