Hindcasting the 2017 dispersal of Sargassum algae in the Tropical North Atlantic

Since 2011, huge amounts of Sargassum algae are detected in the equatorial Atlantic, causing large strandings events on the coasts of the West Indies, Brazil and West Africa. The distribution of this stock shows strong annual and interannual variability, whose drivers are not settled yet. Here we use satellite Sargassum observations from MODIS and currents from an ocean reanalysis to simulate the passive transport of algae in 2017. Wind effect was necessary to fit the observed distribution. Simulations reasonably reproduce the satellite monthly distribution for up to seven months, confirming the prominent role of transport in the distribution cycle. Annual cycle appears as a zonal exchange between eastern (EAR) and western accumulation regions (WAR). EAR is well explained by advection alone, with sharp meridional distribution controlled by converging currents below the inter-tropical Convergence Zone. Instead, WAR is not explained by advection alone, suggesting local growth. •Windage from 0,5 to 2% of wind velocity improved predicted distribution of Sargassum.•Prominent role of transport in the annual cycle of distribution•Eastern accumulation region due to slowing down of North Equatorial Counter Current, with high retention•Western accumulation region due to circulation in the North Brazil Current system, and possibly growth