Playa del Carmen Bolsters Sargassum Containment Strategy With Federal, State Support

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government of Playa del Carmen is strengthening its sargassum containment strategy through a coordinated effort among federal, state, and private sector partners, aiming to reduce the impact of the macroalgae before it reaches the coastline and keep beaches in optimal condition.

Mayor Estefanía Mercado highlighted that collaboration with the state government and the Mexican Navy has allowed for enhanced offshore collection operations, where sargassum vessels work to reduce the amount of algae reaching the shore.

Mercado said this inter-institutional coordination not only helps protect the environment but also bolsters tourism by preserving one of the destination’s main attractions.

As part of the strategy’s follow-up, she held a working meeting with Captain Pedro Mata of the Cozumel Naval Sector to review and strengthen joint actions between the Navy, the Government of Quintana Roo, and the municipal administration.

Mercado announced that Playa del Carmen will receive additional resources to face the sargassum season, thanks to support from the federal and state governments, which will allow for increased operational capacity in containment and cleanup efforts.

Currently, more than 300 personnel from the Mexican Navy and the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) participate daily in these tasks, collecting approximately 21,000 metric tons of sargassum so far this season.

The mayor also urged residents and visitors to seek responsible information about the phenomenon, noting that sargassum arrivals are not uniform across all beaches or every day, as they depend on factors such as ocean currents, winds, and weather conditions.

She reiterated that her administration will maintain preventive actions, constant monitoring, and coordinated work with state and federal governments to protect the coastline and offer beaches in the best possible condition for residents and tourists.