In recent years, the Atlantic Ocean has witnessed a remarkable yet concerning phenomenon: the massive influx of Sargassum, a type of brown seaweed, onto coastlines from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Great Atlantic Sargassum Invasion," has raised alarm among scientists, environmentalists, and coastal communities alike.

Freshwater ecosystems, which include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams, are critical to the functioning of our planet. They provide vital resources for humans, support diverse wildlife, and help regulate local climates. However, these ecosystems are not only under threat; they are experiencing an unprecedented crisis.