Miami-Dade Parks reminds beachgoers it's sargassum (seaweed) season

Sargassum season is in full effect in Miami-Dade County. Steady east to southeast winds increase during this time of year and an influx of sargassum can build up at our County’s beautiful beaches. 

Maintaining our beaches remains a priority for Miami-Dade County Parks, recreation and Open Spaces. The department’s clean-up crews operate on a daily basis, mixing and blading sargassum along the shoreline and, in certain State of Florida approved locations, remove the buildup of seaweed on the water line. 

Sargassum is a naturally occurring seaweed that floats freely on the ocean surface and is abundant in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It provides crucial habitat for many marine species. 

Beachgoers are advised to be aware that sargassum season runs through October. Although the sargassum itself cannot harm people, tiny sea creatures that live in sargassum can irritate the skin; therefore, it’s best to avoid the piles of built-up seaweed and allow for Miami-Dade Parks staff to conduct our daily operations. 

Click here to view a Miami-Dade Parks playground episode on the topic of sargassum. Visit miamidade.gov/parks to learn more. 

About Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces:
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is the third largest accredited county park system in the United States, consisting of more than 280 parks and 40,000+ acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world and focused on placemaking, health and fitness, and conservation and stewardship. 

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