It’s that time of year again, and sargassum is beginning to pile up on Florida beaches.The City of Cape Canaveral said that between March and October, a mix of sargassum, seagrass, driftwood and other organic materials begins washing ashore on local beaches.The mixture of these materials, also known as wrack, is critically important for preserving the health of the beach ecosystem. They said wrack also feeds creatures that live on sand. Over time, wrack decomposes and releases nutrients into the beach, working as a natural fertilizer. Officials said removing beach wrack poses risks of disturbing the nests of endangered sea turtle species and shorebirds. What is sargassumSargassum is a type of floating brown algae that provides food, protection and habitat for many marine species.However, it can also be harmful in certain situations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Is sargassum toxic to humansAs Sargassum rots on shore, it could emit harmful gases to humans and animals.The gas usually smells like rotten eggs and can cause respiratory irritation.How to report sargassumThe NOAA is encouraging those who encounter sargassum to report it here.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —

It’s that time of year again, and sargassum is beginning to pile up on Florida beaches.

The City of Cape Canaveral said that between March and October, a mix of sargassum, seagrass, driftwood and other organic materials begins washing ashore on local beaches.

The mixture of these materials, also known as wrack, is critically important for preserving the health of the beach ecosystem.

They said wrack also feeds creatures that live on sand.

Over time, wrack decomposes and releases nutrients into the beach, working as a natural fertilizer.

Officials said removing beach wrack poses risks of disturbing the nests of endangered sea turtle species and shorebirds.

What is sargassum

Sargassum is a type of floating brown algae that provides food, protection and habitat for many marine species.

However, it can also be harmful in certain situations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Is sargassum toxic to humans

As Sargassum rots on shore, it could emit harmful gases to humans and animals.

The gas usually smells like rotten eggs and can cause respiratory irritation.

How to report sargassum

The NOAA is encouraging those who encounter sargassum to report it here.