Quintana Roo adds new oceanic sargassum collection vessel

Governor Mara Lezama announced that a second ocean‑going sargassum‑catching vessel will join Quintana Roo's fleet within about two weeks. The new ship is intended to double the state's offshore collection capacity, intercepting the macroalgae before currents push it toward Caribbean beaches and reducing the volume that reaches major tourist resorts.

The operation already includes 11 coastal sargassum vessels, 22 smaller craft and the oceanic ship Natans. To date, the program has removed roughly 78,000 tonnes of sargassum by compacting it on board, storing it in special bags and later transferring it for disposal or possible reuse. The governor said the initiative is coordinated with the Navy, scientific experts and academic institutions, and aims to protect the tourism‑driven economy of the region.