Plastics Threaten 800+ Marine Species, Cleanup Set

Cancún, Mexico — Representatives from Ocean Conservancy state that despite a current ban, single-use plastics continue to appear on the beaches of Quintana Roo. The greatest challenge, they say, is achieving full compliance with the law, as these wastes not only damage the tourist image but also represent a serious environmental threat. More than 800 marine species suffer the consequences, and it is also impacting human nutrition, as microplastics have been detected in shellfish, salt, and even drinking water.

Regarding this, Araceli Ramírez, a representative for Ocean Conservancy in the region through ARSA Caribe, reported that coastal cleanup work has demonstrated a significant impact. In the last year alone, with the participation of 2,040 volunteers, 9,224 kilograms of waste were collected along 84 kilometers of beaches, representing more than 70,000 pieces removed from the sea. Each piece collected, the organizers affirm, makes a tangible difference for the oceans.

In parallel, the tourism sector is seeking to transform its waste management model towards circular economy schemes. Vicente Ferreyra, director general of Sustentur, reported that with the support of the TUI Care Foundation, an alliance was consolidated with the Hotel Association of Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres to promote beach cleanups in coordination with ARSA Caribe and other specialists.

As part of these actions, they invite the general public to participate on September 20 in another edition of the international cleanup day at Playa Tortugas and Gaviota Azul in Cancún. Activities will also be carried out in Tulum on the same day, while a cleanup is scheduled for October 11 in Cozumel and October 25 in the Riviera Maya. Dates for Chetumal and Isla Mujeres will be announced shortly.

Experts emphasize that these initiatives not only seek to remove waste but also to generate awareness among tourists, residents, and service providers about the urgency of reducing and eliminating single-use plastics that continue to contaminate the coastal ecosystems of Quintana Roo.