STRUGGLES

outlook summary published by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab indicated record sargassum abundance in the Caribbean Sea in April, with comparable quantities in the Gulf of Mexico to prior major bloom years.

The most recent bulletin states “the total sargassum quantity is expected to increase over the next few months, with impacts of beaching events in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico worsening accordingly … though it is difficult to predict exact timing and location for individual beaching events.”

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

With sargassum research a growing priority over the last decade, further work using satellites to track fine-scale current data should prove crucial in accurately predicting movements of algae within the belt.

Unfortunately, disposing of the piles of smelly sargassum when it washes ashore isn’t as simple as scooping it all up and using it for fertilizer. With such a high arsenic content, the macroalgae can’t safely supplement any plant intended for human consumption.

And while various shore-based mitigation procedures are in place, none exists on a large scale. Because NOAA considers sargassum “essential fish habitat” and “critical habitat” for sea turtles, harvesting at sea is prohibited.

“These federal rules need to be reconsidered, as the massive sargassum influx in these areas is doing more harm than good,” Lapointe said. He advocated for the development of a coastal protection plan in the Keys and South Florida to mitigate local effects.

“This could involve using booms to protect canals and boat basins and harvesting sargassum along shorelines where it is decomposing and causing environmental, economic and human health risks,” he said. “This would help protect beaches for residents and tourists alike.”

POOLSIDE

OCEANSIDE

BY ALEX RICKERT

There’s no debate: with stifling heat returning for summer in the Keys, the next few months are made for cooling off at the sandbar. These days, the islands’ most popular gathering places host everyone from casual visitors to boaters who practically set up camp after dropping the anchor. With weeks of sandbar weather ahead, our OnBoard staff did some rigorous “research” to find the products that made us say, “Man…I wish I had one of those.”

Docktail Bar

An innovative table designed for the cocktails-and-sunsets-type boater, Docktail Bar offers dozens of different layouts and colored SeaDek combinations for any type of boat. Most models have attachments to conveniently drop into a rod holder or attach to a flat surface, but the tables are also perfect to create an entertainment station in the middle of the sandbar with a simple PVC post. A true game-changer when libations are a must.

$179-$599 | DocktailBar.com

Bottle Bash

It’s normally played on a beach, but works just as well in the shallow waters of the sandbar. Bottle Bash challenges players to use precision frisbee throws to knock their opponents’ bottle off its pedestal, and it’s a perfect fit for the casual player all the way up to your weirdly competitive friend. For an extra challenge, try playing with your drink in one hand.

$49.99 | Amazon

Subsafe

Boat days and subs are a match made in heaven, but nothing will ruin a perfect lunch like a soggy sandwich that’s been sitting in a cooler. Designed to protect a 6 or 12-inch sub, the SubSafe can also be a perfect storage spot for snacks or valuables, and even makes a great cocktail shaker.

$19.99 | Publix & SubSafe.com

Gecko Brands Waterproof Playing Cards

Take your games on the boat without worrying about a splash. With a textured surface to prevent wet cards from sticking together, Gecko Brands’ deck is made from waterproof material that’s flexible and washable. Includes a plastic carrying case.

$5.95 | The Tackle Box

Tumbler Tubes

Days at the sandbar can be spent awkwardly holding your beverage of choice above the water, hoping it doesn’t get a saltwater infusion. These floating drink holders are designed to fit popular sizes of tumblers from major manufacturers, and they include a leash – so you can have your hands free while the next sip is always within arm’s reach.

$19.99 | TumblerTubes.com

Summers in the Keys are full of sandbar days with barbecues at night – unless, of course, you just bring the whole grill on the water. With attachment points for a wide variety of mounts, enjoy your flamecooked favorites before you even get back to the dock.