Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that floats on the surface of warm ocean waters. It is commonly found in the Sargasso Sea, a region of the North Atlantic Ocean. This seaweed provides habitat and food for various marine species, including fish and invertebrates.
In recent years, large amounts of Sargassum have washed ashore on beaches in the Caribbean and along the southeastern coast of the United States. While it plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, excessive accumulation can lead to environmental issues, such as unpleasant odors and negative impacts on tourism and local economies.