Mexican Navy Steps Up Sargassum Fight in Quintana Roo

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Navy, through the Navy of Mexico and the Fifth Naval Region, has reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the effects of sargassum seaweed along the coast of Quintana Roo. The ongoing efforts are part of the 2025 Sargassum Response Strategy, which aims to reduce the environmental, tourism, and societal impacts of the invasive algae.

Coordinated Strategy Across Government and Private Sectors

The strategy is being implemented in close collaboration with federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as the hotel industry and private sector. Operations have been divided into three strategic zones:

• North Zone: Isla Mujeres, Cancún, and Puerto Morelos
• Central Zone: Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum
• South Zone: Mahahual to Xcalak

Deployment of Naval Resources

To address the nearly 1,000 kilometers of affected coastline, the Navy has mobilized significant resources, including:

• 1 ocean-going sargassum vessel
• 11 coastal sargassum vessels
• 20 support boats
• Sargassum removal equipment
• 7,545 meters of containment barriers
• Over 380 naval personnel stationed across the state

Coastal Containment and Removal Efforts

A critical component of the strategy involves coastal containment, where barriers are installed on beaches with high sargassum accumulation. These barriers leverage ocean currents, waves, and wind direction to redirect the seaweed to designated collection points for manual or mechanical removal.

Currently, 7,545 meters of barriers are installed in the following municipalities:

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

Unprecedented Sargassum Influx

May and June have seen an unusually high influx of sargassum, prompting intensified efforts from all levels of government and private stakeholders. In hard-to-reach areas, authorities have implemented a strategy of returning sargassum to the ocean, allowing waves and currents to carry it to more accessible collection points.

Community and Government Collaboration

The Navy has also activated Beach Collection Teams, combining naval personnel with state and municipal authorities, as well as volunteers. This coordinated effort has already cleared approximately five kilometers of beaches in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Mahahual.

The Secretary of the Navy has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the Sargassum Response Strategy, adjusting efforts based on oceanic conditions and seaweed volume to protect both the environment and local communities.