Sargassum

Sargassum © Matt Hallett

Sargassum is a phaeophyta that is located throughout various parts of the world, mostly in the Pacific Ocean. Nonetheless, it can also be found in the Caribbean. This is a type of phytoplankton because its root system is free floating and not anchored in the ground therefore this algae is at the mercy of the currents. It is able to stay afloat by long stringy blades and floaters. By staying near the surface of the water, it is able to carry out the process of photosynthesis much more easily. This seaweed is very important to the marine environment being both a source of food and providing shelter for many aquatic plants and animals. Conservation efforts have been put into place to limit or ban the harvesting of Sargassum. These efforts have focused around sea turtles because of its importance to hatchlings. Sargassum forests are important to sea turtle hatchlings by being a food source and as a nursery where they can find safety until they are large enough to move into the open ocean.

Phillips, N., Smith, C., Morden, C., and Fredericq, S. December 2000. GLOBAL "SYSTEMATIC AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF SARGASSUM IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC BASIN."

• Journal of Phycology. Volume 36, Supplement 3. pp. 55-55(1).
• http://www.ingentaconnect.com/
  
• Caribbean Turtle Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival League. "Help Ban the Harvest of Sargassum -- A Vital Habitat for Hatchling Sea Turtles."
• http://www.cccturtle.org/alerts/a_sargassum.htm