From Cosmos (31/1/24), it seems the Sargasso Sea is growing!…
The overwhelming threats of the golden floating rainforest
Imagine standing on the deck of the research vessel, surrounded by the vast, endless expanse of the ocean. The deep blue waves extend as far as your eyes can reach. And then, the scene transforms. At the surface of the water, you’re greeted by sun-kissed fronds reflecting the warm sunlight. Its beauty lies in its intricate layers, resembling golden mats adorning the water’s surface, swaying in rhythm with the ocean’s gentle movements.
It’s a mesmerizing display, a true work of art by Mother Nature herself. The Sargassum is a sanctuary, a floating oasis teeming with life. This ecosystem has been here long before even voyager Christopher Columbus embarked on his voyage across the vast Sargasso Sea, expressing concerns in 1492 that his ship might become ensnared by it. Beneath the surface, schools of fish dart in and out of the Sargassum‘s shelter, seeking refuge and sustenance.
But despite the beauty, the life it holds, it is also a bringer of death. And the latest research shows it’s slowly spreading across the globe.
