Research

Detecting, modelling and forecasting of floating Sargassum are essential for designing effective integrated risk management, mitigation and adaptation strategies. Thanks to the US and European Copernicus Earth Observation programmes, there has been significant progress in global remote detection of floating Sargassum. Satellite detection of floating Sargassum relies on specific algorithms, which capture wavelengths of reflected light associated with the presence of Sargassum in the signal received by the on-board sensor. Today, the following instruments provide ocean colour products and other data products that allow detection, quantification and tracking of Sargassum mats over large regions:

MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), onboard the Aqua & Terra satellites
OLCI (Ocean and Land Colour Instrument), onboard the Sentinel-3 (A & B) satellites
MSI (MultiSpectral Instrument), onboard the Sentinel-2 (A & B) satellites
ABI (Advanced Baseline Imager), onboard the GOES-16 satellite
OLI (Operational Land Imager) onboard the Landsat-8 satellite and
VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), onboard the Suomi NPP and NOAA-20 satellite

At the same time, these observations contribute to better understanding of transport, growth and decay properties of the mats, and provide long time series to investigate trends and variability patterns.

Modelling of Sargassum transport and physiology helps clarify the link between Sargassum distribution and environmental conditions and provides the groundwork for short-term and seasonal forecasting at the scale of the tropical Atlantic basin. Once a Sargassum mat is detected by satellite, its latitude and longitude combined with a drift model can be used to forecast the movement of the mat and possible beaching time – in essence, the basis for an early warning system. The drift model combines meteorological modelling (wind forecasts), hydrodynamic modelling of ocean currents, and can include a growth-decay model of the Sargassum biomass for seasonal applications. The model is fed with past and current satellite observations of Sargassum combined with in-situ information on previous Sargassum inundation events. Observations and short-term modelling are essential for early warning systems and mitigation guidance, whereas long-term monitoring and forecasting of Sargassum (seasonal to interannual) is vital for coastal planning and management, and investment decisions regarding clean-up strategies, harvesting technologies and the development of value-added commercial products.

Detection and forecast trajectories of Sargassum mats in the tropical Atlantic, along the coast of West Africa, overlayed on the modelled surface current direction (blue arrows) provided by Mercator Ocean International. The black marks show positions of the Sargassum mats detected by satellite on 6 November 2022. The white lines show the modelled estimated trajectories and the yellow marks the estimated position of the Sargassum mats on 11 November 2022. SAMtool. Credit CLS.

Sargassum detection in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean

Recent literature

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Research Gaps and Future Directions

Despite significant advances in understanding Sargassum blooms, important gaps remain in both monitoring and forecasting capabilities. Key challenges include limited optical satellite coverage in cloud-prone source regions, insufficient knowledge of Sargassum physiology (growth and mortality rates) across different environments, and the lack of consistent, operational national- and site-level monitoring of strandings. These limitations constrain the validation of forecasting models and reduce the accessibility of user-friendly outlooks and bulletins at a global scale. Additionally, uncertainties remain regarding nutrient dynamics in the Tropical Atlantic, which are critical for improving Sargassum growth predictions. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing both short-term and long-term forecasts, developing effective response strategies, and exploring sustainable uses for Sargassum.

Priority research and action areas include:

Improving the accuracy and reliability of Sargassum forecasts at multiple temporal scales.
Expanding satellite and in situ monitoring networks, including national and site-level observations.
Enhancing understanding of Sargassum physiology, including growth, mortality, and nutrient uptake in varying environments.
Increasing accessibility and usability of Sargassum outlook bulletins for stakeholders.
Investigating sustainable applications for harvested Sargassum, such as biofuels, fertilizers, and bioplastics.

Cavehill Reference repository

Research

Recent literature

Webinars

Research Gaps and Future Directions

The HUB is being updated as an action of the GEO Blue Planet Sargassum Working Group.

This website development received funding from the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the HUB partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Research

Recent literature

Webinars

Research Gaps and Future Directions

The HUB is being updated as an action of the GEO Blue Planet Sargassum Working Group.

This website development received funding from the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the HUB partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

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