100 Tons of Sargassum Cleared From Mahahual Beaches

Mahahual, Quintana Roo — A coordinated cleanup effort led by the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina), Red Ambiental, and other Chetumal-based agencies removed 100 tons of sargassum from Mahahual’s beaches today. Authorities warn that the 2025 seaweed influx is expected to surpass last year’s volumes, particularly along the southern coasts of Quintana Roo.

Unprecedented Sargassum Arrival

On May 3, officials overseeing "Operation Sargassum" reported an atypical surge of the macroalgae reaching Mahahual’s shores, exceeding levels observed in previous years. The Mexican Navy has begun preparations for additional containment measures, including the installation of anchors to detect and collect sargassum offshore.

In March, the Navy announced plans to deploy barriers as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the ecological and economic impact of the seaweed. Last year, Quintana Roo collected 37,000 tons of sargassum statewide, but projections indicate significantly higher volumes for 2025.

Broader Context

The cleanup comes amid other regional developments, including the arrest of four alleged members of the "Los Chilangos" criminal group linked to crimes in Chetumal and Cancún. Meanwhile, infrastructure issues persist, such as a major water leak reported on Chetumal’s Avenida Universidad.

Authorities emphasize ongoing monitoring and response efforts as the sargassum season intensifies.