Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Cozumel officials are preparing for the annual sargassum season as early accumulations of the seaweed have appeared on the island’s eastern coast, signaling potential impacts in the coming months.
Irwin Batun Alpuche, director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT), announced that Cozumel has entered a preparation phase ahead of the official sargassum arrival season expected in June. While current seaweed deposits remain minimal, officials have observed accumulations in eastern areas that suggest possible effects as the year progresses.
Batun Alpuche explained that warmer spring water temperatures following the end of cold fronts will likely increase sargassum proliferation. Current weekly collection totals approximately 30 tons, a relatively low figure compared to previous periods, but officials expect this to rise in coming weeks.
The official highlighted the rehabilitation of three observation towers that now serve dual purposes: supporting civil protection and lifeguard beach safety monitoring while providing direct visibility of sargassum patches approaching the eastern coastline. This system allows authorities to prioritize beach areas for response.
ZOFEMAT maintains daily cleaning operations at the island’s most popular beaches, collecting over 100 tons of waste monthly from both sargassum deposits and island-generated refuse. Officials noted that most marine debris originates from other countries.
“Preparation is key to facing the peak sargassum season,” Batun Alpuche stated, referencing previous years when seaweed volumes reached critical levels. “We have a municipality ready to respond and ensure Cozumel’s beaches remain safe and clean for residents and visitors during high tourist seasons.”
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