Mexico to unveil integrated sargassum response plan for Quintana Roo

President Claudia Sheinbaum will announce in about two weeks an integrated strategy to address the growing influx of sargassum on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, particularly around Tulum. The plan calls for coordinated scientific research, offshore collection and possible commercial use of the algae, involving federal, state and municipal governments together with the hotel industry.

The Secretaria de Marina will expand its capacity with new specialized vessels to intercept sargassum at sea, aiming to cut beach‑cleanup costs and limit environmental harm from decomposition. Oceana communications director Edith Martínez emphasized that the program must be grounded in scientific evidence and regulated utilization, noting that the algae is a natural part of the marine ecosystem when offshore but damages coastal tourism and local economies when it washes ashore. Researchers cite rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change and nutrient runoff from agriculture and wastewater as likely drivers.