Current:Home > ScamsAvoid sargassum seaweed, algal blooms on Florida beaches in spring with water quality maps-InfoLens
Avoid sargassum seaweed, algal blooms on Florida beaches in spring with water quality maps
View Date:2024-12-23 15:05:18
Florida boasts a number of spring break destinations, from Miami Beach in the southeast to Panama City Beach in the northwest.
For those living under the gloomy clouds and colder temperatures in the northern states, Florida offers a warm, sunny break.
But the beaches aren't always as hospitable, with various aqua flora phenomena occasionally making beaches intolerable.
Another threat to Florida's waterways is blue-green algal blooms. Sometimes, harmful algal blooms can leaves Florida beaches littered with dead fish.
Later in the season, several metric tons of seaweed could make its way to the Florida coast.
Here is what to know about them and whether your beach getaway could be impacted:
Spring break planning:Want to drive on the beach this spring break? Here are the Florida beaches where you can
What is an algal bloom?
Algae are naturally occurring plant-link organisms that contribute to wildlife. But when they bloom disproportionately to their ecosystem, they can take away food sources from other organisms.
The algae also can produce a strong odor that smells like rotting plants and toxins that can make animals and people sick.
When blue-green algae is ingested, it can cause rashes, diarrhea, vomiting and even liver problems. Gastrointestinal effects usually begin within 3 to 5 hours after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These blooms typically happen in the summer or early fall, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Florida water conditions: Algal bloom map from the last 90 days
Florida beaches: Is it safe to swim or fish in Florida?
The data on the map below shows weekly beach water quality reports from the Florida Department of Health, and red tide and algal blooms data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Where is the sargassum seaweed blob?
As of February, the swath of seaweed, which reached a record size in December, was still far off the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean.
The University of South Florida monitors, researches and forecasts sargassum blooms in order to eventually be able to predict when it might pile up on beaches.
The most recent report issued Friday showed there is a total of 9 million metric tons of sargassum in the Atlantic, though the researchers predict it won't hit the southeast coast of Florida until late April or May.
Contributing: Kimberly Miller, Dinah Voyles Pulver; USA TODAY Network
veryGood! (26)
Related
- Pete Alonso's best free agent fits: Will Mets bring back Polar Bear?
- Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse seeks a fourth term in the US Senate from Rhode Island
- Soccer Player José Hugo de la Cruz Meza Dead at 39 After Being Struck by Lightning During Televised Game
- Illinois Democrats look to defend congressional seats across the state
- Zendaya Shares When She Feels Extra Safe With Boyfriend Tom Holland
- Man arrested on suspicion of plotting to blow up Nashville energy facility
- Gianforte and Zinke seek to continue Republican dominance in Montana elections
- Jonathan Mingo trade grades: Did Cowboys get fleeced by Panthers in WR deal?
- Kim Kardashian Says She's Raising Her and Kanye West's 4 Kids By Herself
- Investigation into Ford engine failures ends after more than 2 years; warranties extended
Ranking
- Lululemon, Disney partner for 34-piece collection and campaign: 'A dream collaboration'
- Fantasy football waiver wire: 10 players to add for NFL Week 10
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorneys seek gag order after 'outrageous' claims from witness
- In Maryland, competitive US House race focuses on abortion, economy and immigration
- NBA players express concern for ex-player Kyle Singler after social media post
- A Quaker who helps migrants says US presidential election will make no difference at the border
- Rudy Giuliani ordered to appear in court after missing deadline to turn over assets
- Taylor Swift watches Chiefs play Monday Night Football after end of US Eras Tour
Recommendation
-
Lou Donaldson, jazz saxophonist who blended many influences, dead at 98
-
Toss-up congressional races in liberal California could determine House control
-
Florida Sen. Rick Scott seeks reelection with an eye toward top GOP leadership post
-
Florida Sen. Rick Scott seeks reelection with an eye toward top GOP leadership post
-
Kyle Richards Swears This Holiday Candle Is the Best Scent Ever and She Uses It All Year
-
Massachusetts voters weigh ballot issues on union rights, wages and psychedelics
-
Republican Mike Kehoe faces Democrat Crystal Quade for Missouri governor
-
Pennsylvania is home to 5 heavily contested races for the US House