by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Mon June 9, 2025
The Mexican Ministry of the Navy announced plans to increase
efforts to control the influx of Sargassum seaweed heading toward popular beach
destinations.
According to the Riviera
Maya News, the Sargassum Response Strategy Coordinator said additional collection
efforts will be organized by state and municipal governments and volunteers as
the region continues dealing with the massive arrival of Sargassum in the
Mexican Caribbean.
To collect the stinky seaweed, the Mexican Navy has deployed
13 vessels, including sargassum harvesting ships, smaller boats, and
containment barriers. The plan is to collect Sargassum away from the beach to
allow tourists a better experience.
“As relevant results during 2025, Operation Sargassum has
shown positive cumulative results in the containment, collection and final
disposal of sargassum, significantly reducing its impact in key coastal areas,”
a spokesperson for the Mexican Navy told the Riviera Maya News.
The seaweed barriers are being installed at the most popular
beach destinations, with 2,310 meters installed in Puerto Morelos, 2,580 meters
in Playa del Carmen, 390 meters in Tulum, and 2,265 meters in Mahahual.
In total, officials believe they have collected around 77
tons of Sargassum this season so far.
To offer further assistance in key regions, Quintana Roo
Governor Mara Lezama revealed on Saturday that the local government would
implement a new strategy focused on the early collection of Sargassum from the
sea.
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