City of Freeport urges patience as seaweed is left on the beach to protect nesting sea turtles, following advice from Texas A&M and NOAA researchers.
SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas — The City of Freeport is asking beachgoers to bear with the current state of Bryan Beach, where accumulated seaweed is being left in place to protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.
City officials said Friday they are temporarily unable to remove seaweed using heavy equipment because of environmental protections currently in effect. Researchers from Texas A&M University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advised the city that using that equipment to disturb the affected areas could harm protected wildlife.
The city said in a statement:
“We have been advised by Texas A&M and NOAA sea turtle researchers that disturbing these areas could put protected wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, at risk.”
The Turtle Island Restoration Network showed one Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle nest at Surfside Beach, but none at Bryan Beach or Quintana Beach.
The seaweed in question is sargassum, a brown seaweed. Federal scientists say large sargassum blooms have been washing ashore along the Gulf Coast every year since 2011, with warmer water and excess nutrients driving larger and larger accumulations.
While piles of seaweed on a beach might look like a problem, researchers note that sargassum provides habitat and food for marine animals and can help build up sand and reduce erosion when it lands on shore. Those same ecological benefits make it attractive nesting territory for sea turtles, which is why state and federal wildlife protections restrict what can be done to remove it during nesting season.
The city acknowledged the conditions are not ideal for visitors and thanked residents for their patience.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to balance beach maintenance with the protection of our coastal wildlife and natural habitat.”
Bryan Beach is a public beach located near the mouth of the Brazos River in Brazoria County, just southwest of Freeport.
Thanks to Saltwater Recon for the photo of Surfside Beach.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.