Floating Seaweed Barrier
A seaweed boom is a floating barrier deployed offshore to block sargassum, seagrass, and other surface-floating seaweed before it reaches the shoreline. Anchored parallel to the beach, it intercepts incoming seaweed and keeps it away from the swimming area, reducing the labor and cost of beach cleanup while preserving the experience for guests and visitors. Texas Boom Company manufactures seaweed booms in 50-foot and 100-foot sections with modular connectors, allowing the barrier to be scaled and configured to fit the specific layout of your property.
The Growing Challenge of Sargassum
Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed that has washed ashore in increasing volumes along the Gulf Coast, Caribbean, and Atlantic beaches. When it accumulates, it creates a significant challenge for any property that depends on the quality of its beach: it is visually unappealing, releases a hydrogen sulfide odor as it decomposes, and can cause respiratory irritation for visitors with asthma or other sensitivities.
Removing it after it reaches the shore is labor-intensive and must be repeated consistently throughout the season. A proactive barrier that intercepts sargassum offshore is more cost-effective and manageable than relying on shoreline cleanup alone.
How the Seaweed Boom Works
The seaweed boom is anchored offshore in a line parallel to the beach, forming a continuous floating barrier between incoming seaweed and the shoreline. As sargassum or other floating vegetation drifts toward the beach, the boom intercepts it before it arrives. Depending on how the boom is positioned relative to your property, it can deflect seaweed away from a protected area entirely, redirect it to a designated collection point onshore where it can be removed efficiently, or hold it in place along the barrier for collection by boat.
The permeable mesh skirt extends 36 inches below the waterline, allowing water and tidal flow to pass through freely while the upper freeboard blocks surface-floating material. Because the skirt is suspended in the water column rather than resting on the seafloor, fish and other marine life can move freely under the barrier. The mesh construction also means sea life is not at risk of entrapment, which is a meaningful advantage over netting-style barriers.
Where Seaweed & Sargassum Barriers Are Used
Our seaweed boom is a practical solution for any coastal property where sargassum or other floating seaweed creates a consistent management problem. It performs well across a range of applications and site types, including:
- Resort and hotel beaches
- Public beaches and municipal parks
- Marinas and boat docks
- Boat launches and fishing piers
- Private waterfront properties
Request a Quote for Your Location
Seawood Boom Features
Our seaweed barrier is constructed to perform in saltwater coastal environments, with welded seams throughout and hardware selected for marine-grade durability. Each specification is chosen for its role in maintaining barrier performance under real coastal conditions.
- 13-inch Freeboard: Constructed from 22 oz. vinyl-coated polyester fabric, the above-water section presents a continuous surface-level wall that intercepts floating seaweed before it passes through
- 36-inch Permeable Mesh Skirt: Built from 22 oz. woven PVC-coated polyester mesh, the skirt extends below the waterline to the appropriate depth while remaining clear of the seafloor
- Closed-cell Polyethylene Foam Flotation Logs: Rolled closed-cell polyethylene foam provides consistent, reliable buoyancy across the full length of each section
- 5/16-inch Coated Stainless Steel Tension Cable: Maintains the structural integrity of the boom along its length and keeps it properly aligned; a dual-cable configuration is available for more demanding tidal and current conditions
- ASTM Universal Z Connectors: Sections connect end-to-end and can be adjusted to follow the natural curvature of a shoreline or bay
- 1/2” Ballast Chain: Keeps the skirt properly weighted and oriented below the waterline
- Available in Orange, Black, or Blue: Color can be selected based on the visual requirements of the installation site; blue is often preferred for resort and beach applications where a less visible barrier is desirable
Models and Specifications
Texas Boom Company offers two seaweed boom configurations. Both share an overall height of 49 inches, with a 13-inch freeboard and a 36-inch skirt draft. The primary difference is the tension cable configuration, which affects how the boom holds its line under stronger current and tidal conditions.
| Product Number | Overall Height | Float Freeboard | Skirt Draft | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TXSWB-49 | 49” | 13” | 36” | Single tension cable, permeable mesh skirt, Universal Z Connectors |
| TXSWB-49-TTC | 49” | 13” | 36" | Dual tension cable, permeable mesh skirt, Universal Z Connectors |
Anchoring Your Seaweed Barrier
A properly anchored seaweed boom is critical to consistent performance. If anchor spacing is insufficient, boom sections can shift under tidal movement or current, creating openings that allow seaweed to pass through. Texas Boom Company carries Danforth anchor kits and other anchoring solutions sized for use with our boom products in coastal and marine environments. Our team can help identify the right anchor type, spacing, and configuration for your specific site conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the seaweed boom be used in open water or higher-energy conditions?
The seaweed boom is designed for coastal and near-shore environments. Site conditions, including tidal movement, wave exposure, and prevailing current, should be evaluated when selecting the appropriate boom model and anchoring configuration. We recommend speaking with our team before ordering to confirm the right setup for your specific location.
What is the difference between the seaweed boom and the permanent boom?
The permanent boom is a separate product built for fixed, long-term installations. If your application requires an extended-use solution, we can help you assess which product is the better fit.
How is seaweed removed once it accumulates along the boom?
Collected seaweed can be retrieved directly from the barrier by boat, or the boom can be positioned to divert it to a designated location onshore for removal using standard equipment. The modular design makes it straightforward to open a section temporarily if needed for collection access.
Can the boom be repaired if it sustains damage?
Minor damage can typically be repaired in the field. Texas Boom Company carries boom repair kits, and our team can advise on repair options and replacement parts to help keep your boom in good working condition throughout the season.
