There is so much seaweed in Punta Cana primarily due to natural migration of sargassum seaweed from the Sargasso Sea and other Atlantic regions, carried by ocean currents. This seaweed arrives in larger quantities because of warming ocean temperatures linked to climate change, nutrient runoff from agriculture, and changes in ocean currents and wind patterns. The peak seaweed season usually occurs in the warmer months (May to August), and the amount varies month to month and by beach location. Sargassum is a natural part of the marine ecosystem, providing habitat for marine life, but its massive arrivals cause economic and environmental challenges for Punta Cana, especially as it washes ashore in thick mats. Fortunately, local authorities and resorts actively manage the seaweed by daily cleaning and building seaweed barriers on beaches to maintain the tourist experience. Some beaches have very little or no seaweed due to these efforts or their natural positioning. In summary, the abundance of seaweed in Punta Cana is a natural phenomenon aggravated by climate change and human impacts, but it is controlled through active management to protect tourism and beach enjoyment.
