Motor oil waste contaminates Río Lagartos mangrove in Mexico

Volunteers cleaning the port of Río Lagartos in Yucatán discovered large quantities of used motor oil abandoned in plastic containers near the mangrove area. The oil, likely left by a minority of boat operators preparing for the upcoming octopus fishing season, raised concerns about water and soil contamination that could harm the mangrove’s flora and fauna. Local resident Carlos Can reported the finding on social media, emphasizing that the practice is not representative of all fishermen but urging proper disposal of hazardous waste. The volunteers called on the community and authorities to adopt responsible waste‑management practices to protect the coastal ecosystem.