Texas Beaches Get Stinky, Thanks To Huge Piles Of Washed Up Seaweed

According to the San Antonio Express-News, folks looking to enjoy Padre Island beaches were met with a stinky surprise this week- massive piles of potent-smelling Sargassum seaweed.

Despite the stench, it's actually a good thing for Texas beaches.

Why Does Stinky Seaweed Wash Up On Texas Beaches?

According to the Harte Research Institute, "an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf," the seaweed dump is part of a natural cycle. It's no cause for alarm, although the smell might be alarmingly terrible. 

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Why Is The "Golden Tide" Good For Texas Beaches?

The seaweed works as a natural fertilizer- as it breaks down, it nourishes Texas beach plants. These plants, in turn, prevent erosion of the beach. The seaweed literally keeps the beach intact for future generations to enjoy.

Additionally, it provides an amazing research opportunity, as the seaweed is full of marine animals to "shake out" and study, like crabs, shrimp, fish, sea slugs, and sea horses.

These little critters get gobbled up by majestic seabirds- it's all part of an ancient, natural process that improves the beauty of the area.

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Here's a fun post the Harte Research Institute made about this natural phenomenon:

What Is Being Done About Seaweed On Texas Beaches For Visitors?

Don't want to roll around in the stinky seaweed? Luckily, parts of the beach have been cleared for visitor use. However, due to the sheer amount of seaweed- and the need to let it do its "job" of nourishing the beach- some areas will remain with piles for a while.

Perhaps you'll learn to love the smell?