Playa del Carmen Advances Sargassum Barrier Installation Despite Weather Delays

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Installation of marine barriers to combat sargassum along the Playa del Carmen coastline is progressing in its first phase, despite delays caused by rough seas and strong winds that have complicated offshore operations, according to the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone Directorate.

Irwin Rafael Lili Madrigal, director of the agency, said that although weather conditions have slowed the joint work with the Mexican Navy, the goal is to complete this initial phase before March 15. The first section runs from the Fundadores pier to Golondrinas Street, with the next phase extending to Punta Esmeralda.

Madrigal explained that waves from southerly winds and northern weather events have prevented workers from conducting operations as frequently as planned, since installing the barriers requires precise anchoring and securing of floating structures. He assured that the operational plan remains active, with schedules adjusted according to available weather windows to accelerate work when sea conditions permit.

According to official projections, the target is to have up to five kilometers of anti-sargassum barriers installed through coordination between the Navy, state government, and tourism sector as part of preventive strategy for the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, the hotel sector is considering expanding its own containment structures, particularly in the section from the Fundadores pier toward Playacar. While not all hotels have formalized decisions, some properties including Paradisus, Coco Beach, Wyndham, and Velas have already begun installing additional barriers along their beachfronts in anticipation of increased sargassum arrivals in coming months.

Official estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 60,000 tons of sargassum could wash ashore locally this season, accounting for both municipal collection and hotel-reported volumes. The strategy divides efforts between offshore containment and beach cleanup, aiming to capture a significant portion of the seaweed before it reaches the coastline.

Madrigal noted that authorities seek to strengthen maritime collection efficiency through coordination with the Navy to reduce the volume reaching the sand and minimize environmental and tourism impacts associated with sargassum decomposition.

He confirmed that an authorized final destination for collected seaweed has been established in coordination with the Ecology and Environment Secretariat, with technical aspects currently being addressed to expand the site’s operational capacity. This aims to ensure proper management of organic material and maintain beaches in suitable condition for both local residents and visitors during peak tourist season.