Mexican Navy Collects Nearly 8,000 Tons of Sargassum in Costa Maya
Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Navy has collected approximately 7,897.45 tons of sargassum from beaches in Mahahual and Xcalak since January as part of the 2026 Sargassum Response Strategy for the Mexican Caribbean, officials announced Saturday.
The Navy’s 11th Naval Zone is deploying an average of 100 personnel daily, along with specialized machinery and support equipment, to contain and remove the macroalgae. More than 2,200 meters of containment barriers have been installed to reduce the amount of sargassum reaching the shoreline.
The operation aims to mitigate the effects of the massive influx of sargassum, protecting marine and coastal ecosystems as well as tourism, commercial, and fishing activities that are key economic drivers for the region.
Naval personnel are working in coordination with federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as business owners, restaurateurs, and tourism service providers in the port of Mahahual.
Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx
