Seaweed blooms are often seen as a nuisance; they can cause beach closures and create a strong, unpleasant odor. But new research suggests that these smelly blooms may actually provide an ecological opportunity. By providing a refuge for marine life, these blooms may be an important part of the ocean’s food web.

Researchers from the University of Miami and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently studied the effects of seaweed blooms on the communities of marine life found in the Florida Keys. They found that these blooms provide shelter for a wide variety of species, including small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also provide an important source of food for larger species, such as sea turtles.

These findings suggest that seaweed blooms are more than just a smelly nuisance; they may be an important part of a healthy, diverse ecosystem. The researchers hope that their findings will help inform future management decisions and lead to better conservation of marine life in the Florida Keys.

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source: Phys.org