On June 9, 2025, visitors to Playa Algodones in San Carlos, Sonora, encountered patches of floating brown seaweed washed ashore. Although sargassum more commonly impacts beaches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, seasonal currents and rising sea temperatures occasionally carry it into the Sea of Cortez.
Sargassum is a free-floating marine alga that naturally forms large mats in open waters. In the pelagic zone, these mats serve as critical habitats and nurseries for fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. However, when currents drive excessive amounts toward shore, the algae decompose, releasing an unpleasant odor, discolouring the water, and . . .
