Quintana Roo Considers New Sargassum Barriers for Cancún’s Playa Coral

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Quintana Roo Environment Department is studying the installation of new sargassum barriers off Playa Coral in Cancún, officials announced Monday, as the state expands its efforts to contain the seasonal seaweed influx.

Environment Secretary Oscar Rébora Aguilera said ocean currents present technical challenges for the Cancún area, but authorities are examining placing one to 1.5 kilometers of barrier along part of the hotel zone. Playa Coral is considered a priority location because it’s a public beach and has historically experienced heavy sargassum accumulation.

“We’re looking at it. Cancún has certain complications because of the currents, so we can’t install barriers everywhere, but we’re already studying an area to see if we can place certain barriers in Cancún,” Rébora Aguilera said.

The official reported that the state currently has 6,600 meters of barriers installed along its coastlines, with an additional five kilometers arriving in coming days as part of a total 7.5-kilometer acquisition to reinforce containment efforts.

Current barrier installations are located in Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Mahahual and Playa del Carmen, where officials also plan to expand protection zones.

“We still need to expand a zone in Puerto Morelos, in Tulum, we need to expand in Playa del Carmen,” Rébora Aguilera added.

He explained that this year’s sargassum arrivals started earlier than usual and noted the problem isn’t unique to Quintana Roo. Across the Caribbean, more than 60 million tons of biomass are floating in the Atlantic Ocean — a higher figure than last year’s estimated 50 to 60 million tons.

The official said there’s a correlation between increased sargassum and factors like climate change and ocean warming, which has forced authorities to strengthen their response capacity.

In coordination with the Mexican Navy, officials have advanced anchoring and installation work to prevent seaweed arrivals from catching cleanup crews unprepared. Rébora Aguilera also held meetings with other agencies to project budgets and keep preventive strategies active.

He emphasized that while Atlantic sargassum volume is high, its arrival on shores depends on factors like winds and ocean currents. The state maintains constant monitoring to act promptly during the season.