"Algabomba" exploded in the Caribbean region – it became a treasure!

The small island nations of the Caribbean have been covered by massive, rotting algae mats for years, which severely damage tourism and local ecosystems. The phenomenon is driven by the mass proliferation of floating brown algae (Sargassum spp.), stimulated by climate change and nutrient pollution. Grenada's shores are trapped by masses of algae for months, and the decaying seaweed releases toxic gases into the environment. However, local decision-makers have set a new direction: they want to utilize the algae and create economic value from the environmental disaster. While 15 years ago the population of Grenada had hardly heard of floating brown algae, today record amounts are drifting into the region. According to scientific satellite images, around 38 million tons of algae mats were floating in the Caribbean in June 2025. Warming water, as well as nutrients from agriculture and sewage, greatly accelerate the algae bloom. The beached brown algae emit toxic gases during ...