Imagine a sea without shores, a vast expanse of ocean unlike any other. This is the Sargasso Sea, located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Its boundaries are defined not by land, but by ocean currents, creating a unique and vital ecosystem.
The Sargasso Sea is named after the Sargassum seaweed, floating mats that resemble grapes. These seaweed masses range from 4 to 11 million tons. They serve as a crucial habitat for various marine species.
Remarkably still, the water hardly moves, turning the sea into a trap for floating debris. Plastics and other waste accumulate within the Sargassum. This has led to it being called a "trash continent," threatening its role as a haven for turtles, tuna, and dolphins.
Columbus first described this sea, noting its strange stillness, warm waters, and green meadows. In the age of sailing, entering the Sargasso Sea meant risking starvation. Today, technology has freed us from this peril, but the myths remain.
The Sargasso Sea is a region within the Atlantic Ocean, defined by currents. It is bordered by the Gulf Stream to the west, the North Atlantic Current to the north, the Canary Current to the east, and the North Atlantic Equatorial Current to the south.