Quintana Roo Plans Transoceanic Barriers to Fight Sargassum

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Government of Quintana Roo is analyzing the installation of two transoceanic barriers as a strategy to divert sargassum and reduce its impact on the state’s coasts.

This was announced by the head of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), Oscar Rébora Aguilera. The structures are projected for Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro, although their viability will depend on specialized technical studies on winds, marine currents, and tides.

Studies to Define Viability of Anti-Sargassum Barriers

The official explained that one of the main challenges is the depth of the zones where the barriers are intended to be installed, as in some points it exceeds 900 meters, which prevents the use of traditional anchors like those currently operating in Puerto Morelos and other stretches of the coastline.

Resistance to Marine Currents

He indicated that different technical alternatives are being evaluated to guarantee that the barriers can resist the force of the currents and remain stable, with the objective of allowing efficient collection of sargassum in the open sea.

“The entire strategy revolves around how to contain the sargassum and make it easy to harvest,” emphasized Rébora Aguilera.

Anticipated Sargassum Arrival

The head of SEMA detailed that, by instruction of Governor Mara Lezama, attention to sargassum remains a state priority, especially given the anticipated arrival recorded this year.

He specified that, while 2025 marked a record in attention, it was not the year with the greatest volume of arrival. 95,000 tons were counted, a figure far below the 600,000 tons recorded in 2018.

Sargassum Biomass Does Not Always End in Arrival

Rébora Aguilera explained that, although the floating sargassum biomass in the Atlantic is estimated between 50 and 60 million tons, this does not necessarily imply greater arrivals on the coasts, as factors like sea temperature and ocean currents influence this.

Collection, Monitoring, and Circular Economy

Currently, the state is redoubling collection and monitoring efforts, in coordination with the federal government and coastal municipalities. Furthermore, the Integral Center for Circular Economy is in its final phase, with construction set to begin this same year.

This project will allow the transformation of sargassum from an environmental liability to an economic asset, through initiatives for energy generation and waste utilization, once the seaweed is treated to eliminate harmful components.

Anti-Sargassum Barriers Reinforced on the Coast

As part of immediate actions, the head of SEMA highlighted the strengthening of anti-sargassum barriers. During this year, an additional 7,500 meters were acquired, which adds to the 9,500 meters already installed.

The objective is to contain the sargassum before it reaches the beaches, reduce its environmental and touristic impact, and optimize its collection for subsequent utilization.