Macroalgae Expansion Signals Global Ocean Regime Shift

Researchers in a Nature Communications study analyzed 1.2 million satellite images with AI to quantify macroalgal mats and microalgal scums globally between 2003 and 2022. They report macroalgae blooms expanded at 13.4% per year in the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific, while microalgae scums grew 1.0% annually. The trends suggest warming and eutrophication are driving ecological and carbon-cycle impacts.