Mexico Deploys New High-Capacity Vessel to Combat Sargassum in Caribbean

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa and SEMARNAT Secretary Alicia Bárcena announced new measures to combat the massive arrival of sargassum on the coasts of the Mexican Caribbean, including a new ocean vessel that will double the size of the current Natans and collect up to 600 tons daily.

During a working meeting that also included state Ecology and Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora, officials outlined a comprehensive strategy to contain, collect, and utilize the macroalgae this season.

Lezama and Bárcena said the Mexican Navy will put the new vessel into operation in July, joining the Natans as part of the sargassum fleet. In total, the fleet will include 11 sargassum vessels, 22 smaller boats, and four specialized units for shallow waters.

“We are growing all the tools to address a natural phenomenon that, although unpredictable, we are facing with coordinated work,” Lezama said, emphasizing the goal of collecting sargassum at sea to prevent its decomposition on beaches.

Officials also plan to expand containment infrastructure. Currently, 9,500 meters of barriers are installed, with a target of reaching 16,000 meters this year, surpassing 2025 levels.

Bárcena noted that the increased operational capacity responds to historic sargassum volumes linked to climate change, calling for stronger interagency coordination. “It is a serious problem affecting the entire Caribbean, but it is being addressed jointly and with a long-term vision,” she said.

Additionally, authorities announced the creation of a Circular Economy Development Hub for Well-being in Puerto Morelos, focused on transforming sargassum into a useful resource, promoting its use alongside other waste.

Officials agreed that despite the phenomenon, Quintana Roo’s beaches remain suitable for tourism thanks to ongoing cleaning and containment efforts. “Sargassum is not on all beaches nor every day,” Lezama stressed, inviting visitors to continue choosing the destination.