JUNO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Beachgoers heading to South Florida’s shoreline this week, expecting clear sand, rolling waves, and rows of beach umbrellas, are instead being met by thick piles of sargassum seaweed washing ashore.

Large amounts of the brown algae have blanketed beaches across the region, covering portions of the sand and creating a strong odor along Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.

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Experts are working to determine why there is currently such a significant influx of sargassum, where it is originating, and how long the seaweed could continue to impact local beaches.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sargassum is a type of brown algae that floats in large masses and plays an important role in the marine ecosystem, providing food and shelter for sea turtles, crabs, shrimp, fish, and seabirds.