A buildup of sargassum is affecting sections of Jabberwock Beach, leaving brown seaweed spread along the shoreline.

The accumulation comes as Caribbean countries contend with another significant sargassum season. The University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Laboratory has projected that 2026 could become at least the second-largest year on record for the seaweed’s abundance.

Sargassum is a naturally occurring brown algae that floats in large mats across the Atlantic. Although it provides habitat for marine life offshore, it can produce a strong, unpleasant odour as it decomposes on beaches.

Across the region, governments, hotels and other businesses have spent millions of dollars removing the seaweed and installing offshore barriers. Researchers and entrepreneurs are also exploring its potential use in fertilizers, biofuels, textiles and other products.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Sargassum Accumulates Along Jabberwock Beach.