00:00It's back and it's bigger and smellier than ever. Scientists say the 2026 Sargassum bloom could become the largest on
00:07record, even topping last year's 37.5 million tons.
00:12Right now, more than 9 million tons are already drifting across the Atlantic, heading towards South Florida and the Caribbean,
00:18with more building in the months ahead.
00:21And it's arriving early, fueled by strong trade winds. So what is it?
00:25Sargassum is a floating, leafy brown seaweed that actually helps marine life offshore.
00:30But when it piles up on beaches, it rots. That's when it releases a rotten egg smell strong enough to
00:36irritate your eyes, nose and throat.
00:38And clean up, it's expensive. Miami-Dade alone spends around $35 million a year.
00:43So if you're planning a beach trip, you might not be the only one showing up.
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