Puerto Morelos Removes Over 100 Tons of Sargassum From Beaches

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Municipal authorities have removed more than 100 tons of sargassum from Puerto Morelos beaches during a three-day cleanup operation aided by the Mexican Navy.

Officials said the operation concentrated on coastal stretches with the highest accumulation of the seaweed. The Navy was called in at the request of institutions including UNAM’s Reef Systems Academic Unit to help clear specific areas where the seaweed had become trapped.

Emmanuel Tuz Betancourt, head of the Zofemat coastal management office, said crews collected 104.25 tons over three days, including 66.15 tons removed during work on Aug. 26 and 27.

“We managed to collect 104.25 tons in three days of hard work, and we continue day after day without rest,” Tuz Betancourt said. “Thanks to the Navy’s collaboration, we are focused on the accumulation points and mitigating the impact of the sargassum when it reaches the coast.”

Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz said the municipality has maintained a permanent presence on its beaches to respond to the natural phenomenon. “We are working continuously and in a coordinated manner at the points where sargassum accumulates the most,” she said. “We are not letting our guard down and continue to join efforts with the state, the federal government and the Navy.”