100 Tons of Sargassum Cleaned Up in One Day in Mahahual!

In response to the early arrival of sargassum on the shores of Quintana Roo, various organizations and local citizens conducted the first cleanup day in Mahahual. This endeavor resulted in the collection of approximately 100 tons of the macroalgae. Oscar Rebora, the Secretary of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), stated that this year's sargassum season is expected to be more intense than in 2024, causing concern among business owners, hoteliers, and the local community.

Approximately 200 individuals took part in the cleanup day, including staff from SEMA, the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection (PPA), the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Areas (Ibanqroo), and other organizations. The state government and the Secretariat of the Navy plan to concentrate their efforts on enhancing the offshore collection of sargassum before it reaches the beaches.

Rebora also announced the establishment of permanent cleanup brigades in Mahahual and other critical areas to lessen the environmental and economic impacts of the sargassum. This initial cleanup day marks the start of the actions planned for the 2025 season. In the upcoming weeks, additional brigades are expected to be deployed to mitigate the effects of the sargassum on Quintana Roo's tourist destinations.