Mexican Navy Fights Sargassum Surge in Caribbean

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Navy (Semar) has ramped up operations to address the massive influx of sargassum seaweed along the Caribbean coast, deploying specialized vessels and containment barriers to mitigate its environmental and economic impact.

Coordinated Response to Sargassum Influx

The Navy, through the Sargassum Attention Strategy Coordinator (CEASS), reported that its 2025 Sargassum Operation has yielded positive results in containment, collection, and disposal efforts. Affected areas, including Isla Mujeres, Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Solidaridad, Cozumel, Tulum, and Othón P. Blanco (Mahahual), have seen reduced seaweed accumulation, maintaining levels classified as scarce, very low, or moderate.

Thirteen maritime units—including sargassum vessels, smaller boats, and containment barriers—have been deployed, with nine currently active. These resources aim to intercept the seaweed offshore and in shallow waters before it reaches beaches.

Infrastructure and Data

A total of 7,545 meters of containment barriers have been strategically placed:

• 2,310 meters in Puerto Morelos
• 2,580 meters in Playa del Carmen
• 390 meters in Tulum
• 2,265 meters in Mahahual

Authorities estimate approximately 77 tons of sargassum are approaching the Mexican Caribbean coast across four locations. Since 2019, Quintana Roo’s seven ports have accumulated 266,043 tons, with 4,236.26 tons collected in 2025 alone.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

The Navy emphasized the role of state and municipal governments, civil society, and private sector partners in the operation’s success. Joint beach-cleaning initiatives have ensured cleaner environments for residents and tourists.

“This synergy has been critical for effective resource deployment, surveillance, and the implementation of preventive and reactive strategies,” Semar stated.

The ongoing efforts underscore Mexico’s commitment to safeguarding its coastal ecosystems and tourism industry from the persistent challenge of sargassum blooms.