Key West leaders are considering a pilot effort to remove rotting sargassum from part of the city’s southern Atlantic shoreline after describing the seaweed buildup as an urgent concern for residents and tourism.
City commissioners approved bringing in scientific and environmental consultants to assess whether a cleanup project is feasible, according to WLRN. The review would focus on a potential pilot area spanning about a half-mile.
The action does not authorize construction or create a permanent removal system. Any decision to begin physical work would return to the commission for another vote after officials have evaluated the costs, science and logistics.
Mayor Sam Kaufman, who sponsored the measure, said the city has heard concerns about odors, beach conditions and possible health effects for residents. He also cited the importance of shoreline conditions to Key West’s tourism industry and said the city needs to begin planning if it hopes to have an approach in place by next spring.
The measure also directs the city manager to pursue grants and identify potential funding partners. Sargassum is a large brown seaweed that floats in offshore masses and can provide food and shelter for marine life, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Problems arise when large quantities wash ashore and decay.
