Cancún, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo is preparing for a record sargassum season in 2026, with authorities already collecting over 2,400 tons of the seaweed from its coastlines and projecting a potential influx of 60 million tons into the Atlantic Ocean.
The state’s Ecology and Environment Department (SEMA) reports that crews have removed 2,451 tons of sargassum so far. The most affected municipalities are Playa del Carmen with 1,195 tons, Isla Mujeres with 414 tons, Puerto Morelos with 357 tons, Tulum with 227 tons, Cozumel with 134 tons, and Benito Juárez with 77 tons.
The Mexican Navy has reinforced containment and prevention strategies to address the phenomenon. Officials have established two lines of action: strengthened containment through coordination with the Navy and municipal governments, and the deployment of anti-sargassum barriers. Authorities plan to install more than 7,500 meters of barriers, adding to the 9,500 meters installed last year.
Strategies to Mitigate Impact
This year’s containment strategies include installing anti-sargassum barriers, deploying amphibious vessels, and using satellite monitoring to detect sargassum presence and take preventive measures.
While this is a challenging season, authorities acknowledge that sargassum can significantly impact the local economy, particularly the tourism sector. The seaweed is also known to affect marine biodiversity and water quality.
The sargassum season in Quintana Roo is expected to be intense, with a possible arrival of 60 million tons of biomass floating in the Atlantic Ocean. Authorities continue working to protect beaches and the local economy.
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