Playa del Carmen Boosts Sargassum Cleanup With 200 Workers

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The municipal government has expanded its workforce to over 160 personnel dedicated to beach cleanup efforts, with plans to hire an additional 40 temporary workers, bringing the total to 200 employees focused on removing sargassum from the coastline. The announcement was made by Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal, director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat).

Coordinated Efforts to Address Sargassum Influx

Lili Madrigal confirmed that the new hires will be contracted for three months to bolster cleanup operations during the high season. The initiative is part of a broader collaboration involving municipal agencies such as Civil Protection, the Mexican Navy, and volunteer groups from local businesses and organizations.

Companies like Cinépolis and Starbucks have already participated in cleanup efforts, with more scheduled to join through mid-July. Volunteers are provided with tools and logistical support by the municipality.

From January to date, approximately 15,000 metric tons of sargassum have been cleared from Playa del Carmen’s beaches. When accounting for removals by the Navy and private hotels, the total rises to nearly 19,000 metric tons.

Challenges and Limitations

When questioned about budget constraints—a recent point of debate in the City Council—Lili Madrigal acknowledged that while the municipality has personnel, sweepers, tractors, trailers, and community cleanup drives, there is no definitive solution to the sargassum problem.

“This is not a solution; it’s containment,” he stated. “Residents know this is the season for sargassum, and we must manage it as best we can.” Officials anticipate a reduction in sargassum accumulation by September.

Comparing Coastal Conditions

Addressing comparisons to Puerto Morelos, where sargassum appears more controlled, Lili Madrigal explained that Playa del Carmen faces unique challenges. The region’s reef barrier does not mitigate strong currents and waves, which can reach speeds of 70 kilometers per hour—enough to bypass containment measures.

Playa del Carmen maintains a 2.5-kilometer anti-sargassum barrier, more than double the length of Puerto Morelos’. However, sections must remain open to accommodate ferry and boat traffic. The municipality oversees 87.5 kilometers of coastline but directly manages only five kilometers of beach cleanup.

The ongoing efforts highlight the collaborative approach between government agencies, businesses, and volunteers to mitigate the environmental and economic impact of sargassum on one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.