The maps below show Sargassum abundance, with warm colors representing high abundance.
In June 2020, the Sargassum amount continued to increase across the central Atlantic. Large amount of Sargassum was observed in the Central West Atlantic (CWA, i.e., the region east of the Lesser Antilles in the maps below), the Central East Atlantic (CEA), and most of the Caribbean Sea (CS). Beaching events in some Caribbean islands continued. Sargassum transport to the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) also increased, with moderate amounts found in the Florida Straits and along the east coast of Florida. Miami Beach started to see some inundation. In all regions combined, the total Sargassum amount increased from 8.7 M tons in May to 12.7 million metric tons in June, lower than June 2018 (20.4 M tons) but higher than June 2015 (9.9M tons) and June 2019 (9.5M tons).
Looking ahead, the eastern Caribbean will continue experiencing large amounts of Sargassum in July to September 2020 with many beaching events. The western Caribbean will also experience moderate amounts. The situation is expected to be similar to summer 2015 and 2019, but with larger Sargassum amounts. In July – August, more Sargassum will reach the eastern GOM, enter the Florida Straits, and transport to the east coast of Florida. The bloom may start to decrease from late August to September.
More updates will be provided by the end of July 2020, and more information and imagery can be found from the Sargassum Watch System