Cancun Removes 40 Tons of Sargassum in a Single Day

Cancun, Mexico — Cancun has strengthened its strategy against sargassum, successfully removing 40 tons of the invasive seaweed in a single day from Chac Mool Beach. Through inter-institutional coordination and advanced technology, the popular tourist destination aims to maintain its competitiveness and appeal to both national and international visitors.

Coordinated Efforts Yield Rapid Results

Cancun has escalated its response to the sargassum phenomenon with an expanded cleanup strategy and inter-agency collaboration, ensuring its primary beaches remain in optimal condition. The most recent operation, led by municipal authorities, resulted in the removal of approximately 40 tons of seaweed from Chac Mool Beach, one of the city’s most frequented coastal areas.

Beginning early Saturday morning, municipal crews and workers from multiple departments initiated collection efforts. José Antonio de la Torre Chambé, head of the General Directorate of Public Services, reported that over 40 tons were collected within the first few hours of the operation, which was conducted simultaneously across several beaches in Cancun.

Daily Operations During Peak Season

The cleanup initiative is part of a daily effort during the high season, with teams working from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Key beaches such as Delfines, Tortugas, Langosta, and Chac Mool—designated as priority zones for maintaining tourism standards—are systematically cleared using both manual labor and specialized machinery.

The operation involves not only Public Services personnel but also members of the Federal Maritime Land Zone (Zofemat), the Fire Department, citizen volunteers, and other municipal agencies. This coordinated approach is critical to effectively mitigating the sargassum challenge.

Land and Sea Strategies Combined

Cancun’s sargassum containment model integrates onshore and offshore measures. In collaboration with the Mexican Navy and the Government of Quintana Roo, containment barriers are deployed at sea to prevent the algae from reaching the shoreline, safeguarding both the beaches and the tourism industry.

A key element of the strategy is continuous monitoring of sargassum resurgence. Satellite technology is employed to identify areas with high seaweed concentrations, enabling preemptive resource deployment before the issue escalates. This proactive approach minimizes environmental damage and ensures favorable conditions for visitors.