[REVISION HISTORY]

Sargassum crisis drives regional circular economy efforts

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2026-10-10 20:25 UTC → 2026-10-12 19:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The sargassum crisis continues to escalate as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB) reaches record masses, with estimates hitting 37.5 million metric tons in mid-2025. This massive expanse of floating algae creates severe environmental, sanitary, and tourism challenges across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Regional cooperation has intensified through the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). During a recent subcommission meeting, Venezuela pledged to place the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC) at the service of the regional alliance, offering laboratories and technical personnel to help mitigate impacts on fishing, navigation, and tourism. In Mexico, environmental authorities report that while significant amounts of sargassum float in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 10% reaches Mexican coasts, particularly in Quintana Roo. To combat this, the Mexican federal government is working to increase sea-based collection via the Secretariat of the Navy to intercept algae before it reaches beaches. Pilot programs are also emerging to support circular economy goals. In Mahahual, Royal Caribbean, in collaboration with ‘Menos Plásticos es Fantástico’, completed a pilot program that collected 997 metric tons of sargassum to produce dried algae for use as a plastic alternative. In October 2026, the fourth EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum was held in Cancún. Co-organized by the European Union and the Mexican government, the summit brought together 350 participants from 45 countries to transition from emergency collection toward a regional circular economy model. Projections suggest sargassum volumes could rise from 38 million tons in 2025 to an estimated 80 million tons the following year. ~~In Quintana Roo, studies indicate sargassum presence can lead to an 11.6% reduction in local economic activity.~~ Expanding on these efforts, Mexico ~~has proposed an ambitious investment~~ and Spain have launched a joint research and sustainable collection project. Implemented by the Mexican Institute of ~~$2,635 million between 2026~~ Sustainable Fisheries and ~~2027~~ Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the initiative aims to ~~expand vessel fleets, implement barriers,~~ improve macroalgae collection and ~~capture seaweed before it reaches shores.~~ study its behavior.

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