By AARON PARSEGHIAN

There's a stinky situation in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Officials there say they've identified the source of a "strong odor" that smells like rotten eggs.

Invasive Japanese seaweed

The city explained on Facebook on Wednesday that Heterosiphonia japonica, an invasive Japanese seaweed, is causing the smell in East Gloucester.

"When it washes ashore and decays, it releases a rotten egg-like odor that can seem concerning, but it's a natural process," the city said.

Noticing a strong smell around East Gloucester? 🌊 We’re aware of the strong odor in East Gloucester. The smell is... Posted by City of Gloucester, MA on Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Seaweed arrived during Hurricane Erin

The invasive seaweed arrived on the North Shore thanks to Hurricane Erin ,

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