Quintana Roo Boosts Sargassum Containment as Seaweed Arrives Early

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The head of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), Óscar Rébora Aguilera, reported that the early arrival of sargassum has forced the reinforcement of containment actions. The agency has activated new monitoring and coordination tasks with the federal government and coastal municipalities.

The official explained that sargassum began arriving atypically this year. He noted that the macroalgae’s behavior changes according to sea temperature, currents, and winds.

These variations prevent having an accurate forecast about the arrival. Therefore, authorities maintain constant surveillance in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

“Unlike other years, the sargassum arrived before the usual season,” stated Rébora Aguilera. He indicated that this situation has generated adjustments in the strategy of the three levels of government.

However, he emphasized that there is close coordination between authorities. He stressed that this joint work is key to containing the macroalgae.

The head of SEMA noted that the general strategy remains in place. Nevertheless, actions in open waters are now being reinforced to prevent sargassum from reaching the beaches.

The objective is to reduce environmental impact on coastal ecosystems. Additionally, it seeks to protect the state’s tourism activities.

Regarding monitoring, he indicated that in the Atlantic there is an estimated floating biomass of between 50 and 60 million tons. He clarified that not all of that amount reaches Quintana Roo.

As an example, he recalled that in 2025 approximately 95,000 tons were addressed. This figure contrasts with the 600,000 tons that arrived in 2018.

Rébora Aguilera reported that projects are being analyzed to install two transoceanic barriers. One would be located in Cozumel and another in Banco Chinchorro.

For this, specialized studies about depth, currents, and tides are required. These analyses will allow defining their viability.

Finally, he announced that the state has acquired an additional 7,500 meters of anti-sargassum barriers. With this infrastructure, the goal is to strengthen containment of the macroalgae from the sea.