300 Volunteers Clean Sargasso from Cancún’s Playa Marlín

Cancún, Mexico — More than 300 volunteers participated in a simultaneous cleanup effort titled "Todos contra el Sargazo" ("Everyone Against Sargasso") at Playa Marlín, led by Mayor Ana Paty Peralta and Senator Eugenio Segura Vázquez. The initiative is part of a broader state operation addressing the massive influx of sargasso across seven municipalities in Quintana Roo.

A Community Effort to Protect Coastal Ecosystems

Armed with shovels, gloves, and enthusiasm, participants—including public servants, citizens, students, businesses, military personnel, and tourists—worked to remove the invasive seaweed from the shoreline. Mayor Peralta emphasized the collective responsibility behind the effort, stating, "This fight belongs to everyone. It’s not just an instruction from our Governor Mara Lezama, but a shared duty to protect our beaches."

She acknowledged the daily work of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) and Public Services personnel, who begin cleanup operations as early as 6 a.m., and reaffirmed her commitment to intensify efforts supporting tourism, the environment, and the local community.

Government and Tourism Sector Collaboration

Senator Eugenio Segura highlighted the Senate’s support for such measures as part of a comprehensive strategy, noting that tourism remains the backbone of Quintana Roo’s economy. "Our beaches must stay clean and safe—they are our main attraction," he said.

The cleanup also saw spontaneous participation from national and international tourists, including a group from Coahuila who joined the effort. Military personnel, technical organizations, and private companies collaborated closely with the hotel sector to enhance cleanup operations in concession areas.

The event underscored the slogan "Todos y todas contra el sargazo" ("Everyone Against Sargasso"), demonstrating Cancún’s commitment to tangible action and civic engagement in addressing the environmental challenge.