Beached Sargassum

Far away from the legendary Sargasso Sea this solitary clump of sargassum weed washes back and forth in the gentle surf of Henley Beach.

Unlike the huge floating rafts of the Atlantic Ocean, this form of sargassum lives a benthic life attached to the rocky reef off our local coast.

On any dive here 'bubble weed' is a sure sign there will be some interesting critters to photograph. Leafy seadragons, short head seahorses and pygmy leather jackets are just some who make this algae their home.

Here however on the sandy shore along side Henley Beach Jetty at sunset it presents a different photo opportunity.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Beached Sargassum', 2s f/20 ISO160 14mm