by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:56 AM ET, Tue August 21, 2018
To help combat the deposits of seaweed washing up on Mexican beaches, the United States has sent two sargassum boats to assist in cleanup efforts.
According to the Riviera Maya News, officials in Florida have authorized two ships designed to handle sargassum to assists in the Quintana Roo region with the intent of lifting and removing the seaweed from the water around popular tourist destinations.
Mexican Environmental Minister Alfredo Arellano said the boats from Florida will arrive late this week, but local government officials are already asking for money to purchase similar ships that would fight against sargassum starting next year.
The seaweed is impacting beaches in key destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum and more. Arellano revealed that 41 beaches have been cleared of sargassum thus far.
The Mexican government began placing sargassum containment barriers along Mexico's Caribbean coast last week, and officials reported Monday the sea fences are already stopping the seaweed from reaching beaches.
Tourism Secretary Marisol Vanegas said the plan is for all of the beaches along Quintana Roo to be free of sargassum within 45 days. The addition of the two vessels from the U.S. should help the government achieve its goals.
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