Plain Language Summary
Ocean currents’ movement of suspended material is important for ecosystems as it affects the connection of marine populations and the distribution of suspended material such as plastics and sargassum. This research studies the transport routes from the Equatorial Atlantic to the Yucatan Peninsula by identifying the distribution of particles in different Caribbean Sea areas. We used different analysis methods to determine the transport pathways and natural barriers. When barriers are present, particles cannot reach certain areas without the influence of wind. We found that particles released during the autumn-winter months with a 1% windage reached the Yucatan Peninsula in the following year’s spring, while particles released in the spring months with a 2% windage reached the area in the summer months of the same year. Understanding the effect of wind forcing over suspended particles moving over surface ocean currents allows for better managing and conserving marine ecosystems.