What is the Sargasso Sea?

The Sargasso Sea is a section of the North Atlantic ocean which is characterized by being unusually flat and still, thanks to some tricks of the ocean currents in the region. This section of the Atlantic has become rather famous, and it is surrounded with mysterious stories and speculation. The truth behind the Sargasso Sea is almost as interesting as all of the stories about it, as this region, which should by all rights be a sort of desert in the ocean, is actually teeming with life.

This geographical feature is named for the copious amounts of Sargassum seaweed which float on its surface. This seaweed is also known as gulfweed. The Sargasso Sea is bordered by the Gulf Stream current, which circles the region along with several other currents, creating an area of strange stillness in the middle of the Atlantic.

One of the biggest myths about the Sargasso Sea is that the seaweed entangles ships, and it is certainly true that a number of derelict ships have been found floating in this area. However, it's not the seaweed that traps them, it's the lack of wind. This sea is in one of the areas of the ocean known as the doldrums, where a relative lack of wind can trap a sailing ship. The Sargasso is also near the Bermuda Triangle, a notorious region of the Atlantic, and this has perhaps enhanced the mystique of the area.

Given that the Sargasso Sea is relatively flat and still, with the ocean floor extremely far below, scientists expected it to be devoid of life. The Sargassum is an obvious contradiction to this theory, and scientific surveys in the area have actually revealed incredibly diverse life forms on the microscopic level. This confused scientists until they realized that deeper ocean currents below the region were supplying it with nutrients, making it a rich and abundant part of the ocean.

The Sargasso Sea also plays a notable role in the reproductive cycle of eels. North American and European eels return to there to lay eggs, with the elvers or young eels slowly working their way from the Sargasso Sea back to the homes of their parents in a truly remarkable journey.

The Sargasso Sea is a unique region of the North Atlantic Ocean, characterized by its clear blue water and floating seaweed called Sargassum. It's bordered not by land, but by ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream to the west, the North Atlantic Current to the north, the Canary Current to the east, and the North Atlantic Equatorial Current to the south. This sea is the only one on Earth without a land boundary.

The Sargasso Sea plays a crucial ecological role, serving as a breeding ground for many marine species such as the European eel and the American eel. Its dense mats of Sargassum provide a habitat and nursery for a diverse community of creatures, from tiny invertebrates to larger fish, offering them food and protection from predators. The sea's importance for biodiversity is recognized globally.

Unlike other seas, the Sargasso Sea's boundaries are defined by ocean currents rather than landmasses. It is also distinctive for its namesake Sargassum, a genus of brown algae that forms extensive floating mats. These mats create a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of marine life. Additionally, the Sargasso Sea has exceptionally clear and blue water due to its isolation from nutrient-rich currents.

The Sargasso Sea influences climate and weather patterns primarily through its role in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This system of currents, including the Gulf Stream, transports warm water and air from the tropics to the north, affecting weather across the Atlantic region. The sea's warm waters can also contribute to the formation and intensification of hurricanes.

Environmental concerns for the Sargasso Sea include pollution, particularly plastic waste that gets trapped within the Sargassum mats, and overfishing, which threatens the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Climate change poses a significant risk, potentially altering the sea's currents and temperature, which could disrupt the habitat and the species that depend on it for survival.

International efforts to protect the Sargasso Sea are led by organizations like the Sargasso Sea Commission, which works to safeguard its unique ecosystem through collaboration with governments and other entities. Conservation strategies focus on reducing pollution, managing fisheries, and monitoring the impacts of climate change to ensure the resilience and health of this vital marine area.