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Environmental Sciences and Ecology: Current Research
[ ISSN : 2833-0811 ]


Review of studies on Sargassum spp. (Sargassaceae) in Cuba (2011-2026)

Research Article
Volume 7 - Issue 3 | Article DOI : 10.54026/ESECR/10128


María Karla Gutierrez- Chica1, Diana Laura Baez López1, Gustavo Arencibia Carballo2, Maestra María del Carmen Ordóñez Murillo, Cindy Selene May Herrera

1Faculty of Biology, University of Havana (UH), 25th Street between J and I, Plaza de la Revolución municipality, CP 10400, Havana, Cuba.
2Fisheries Research Center (CIP), Calle 246 n? 503 between 5th Avenue and Mar, Santa Fe, Playa municipality, CP 19100, La Havana, Cuba, CP Cindy Selene May Herrera.
3Dirección General de Educación Tecnológico Industrial y de Servicios. Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Industriales.

Corresponding Authors

María Karla Gutierrez- Chica, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, La Havana, Cuba.

Keywords

Sargassum Natans; Sargassum Fluitans; Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt; Environmental Impact; Coastal Management; Cuba

Received : May 03, 2026
Published : May 11, 2026

Abstract

Since 2011, the Caribbean region has experienced drastic changes in its ecological and socioeconomic dynamics due to the massive influx of macroalgae of the genus Sargassum. In Cuba, this problem began to manifest itself atypically in 2012. Upon reaching shallow coastal areas, their accumulation and decomposition generate “brown tides,” releasing toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H?S ) and methane. These disturbances degrade critical ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and severely impact economic sectors like artisanal fishing and tourism. Faced with this emergency, a new paradigm has emerged: the shift from considering Sargassum as “beach litter” to viewing it as a resource for the circular economy. This paper aims to synthesize the current state of knowledge on Sargassum dynamics in Cuba, analyzing its impact and the research conducted in the country. A total of 19 Cuban scientific publications were analyzed, focusing primarily on the use of Sargassum as a biofertilizer and on monitoring Sargassum influxes. No studies were found addressing other uses of the seaweed or examining the presence of contaminants within it.