An FAU team will assess the feasibility of in-water harvesting of Sargassum inundations in Florida. Currently, in-water harvesting of the stinky seaweed is not permitted due to its designation as Essential Fish Habitat and critical habitat for sea turtles.

The team will use remotely operated vehicles to survey Sargassum sites for fauna, quantify the size of the Sargassum mats, and assess the changing structure of the beach. They will begin with a small trial removal with dip nets to test the viability of harvesting Sargassum without harming marine animals and other fauna. “After collection, we will scale up harvesting this seaweed using larger nets,” says researcher Brian Lapointe. The team will also try to identify a change point—a density or distance from shore where Sargassum no longer provides functional habitat.

• Matthew Ajemian
• Brian Lapointe