As a result of climate change and over-fertilization, excessive amounts of the sargassum reach the Caribbean coasts every year. Sargassum is a type of seaweed or brown algae that spends its life on the sea or ocean surface. Research by scientists has shown that the amount of Sargassum has increased tenfold in the last decade and projections indicate that the number will increase in the coming years. Offshore, sargassum serves as an important natural habitat and food source for marine life. However, onshore, it has several negative consequences:

• The creation of dead zones. Dead zones are areas in water where aquatic life can not survive due to low oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels can occur when algae dies and is decomposed by bacteria.
• Low fishing yields. Since aquatic life cannot survive in dead zones, fishermen can suffer from a decrease in catch. Additionally, large amounts of algae get tangled in their nets and rotors.
• Adversely affects tourism. The mass accumulation of algae on beaches deters swim bathers. Furthermore, there is a foul odor that can accompany algae when it washes up on shore.