Quintana Roo faces record sargassum surge with 106,000 tons collected

Quintana Roo is facing a record-breaking sargassum season, with over 106,000 metric tons of the macroalgae collected so far. This figure surpasses the previous record of 92,783 tons set last year. Data from the Secretaría de Ecología y Medio Ambiente (SEMA) indicates that 52 of the 140 monitored beaches have experienced excessive seaweed accumulation, leaving only five beaches reported as clear.

To combat the surge, authorities are shifting strategies to intercept the seaweed at sea before it reaches the coast. The Secretaría de Marina has already removed more than 16,000 tons directly from the ocean. The Mexican federal government has announced an investment of 2 billion pesos to expand collection capacity and infrastructure. This includes a goal to increase the coverage of anti-sargassum barriers to nearly 50 kilometers.

Scientists suggest the massive blooms are driven by shifting ocean conditions and nutrient-rich runoff, including nitrogen and phosphorus. The accumulation poses significant threats to the tourism industry in destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, as well as ecological risks to reefs, mangroves, and marine seagrasses. The rotting seaweed also releases hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause respiratory irritation.