Sargassum Surge in Quintana Roo: What You Need to Know

The sargassum seaweed level in Quintana Roo, Mexico, has spiked to a moderate level 4 after weeks of being low due to the sparse arrival of the macroalgae. The Mexican Navy's monitoring data predicts an influx of sargassum in the coming hours, driven by the southeast winds prevalent in the tourist hotspots. The current algal coverage is estimated to be around 12,680 tons.

As per the report published on June 7, the central and southern areas of Quintana Roo are most likely to experience the arrival of the macroalgae. In contrast, the northern region, ranging from Puerto Morelos to Benito Juarez and Isla Mujeres, is expected to have a lower seaweed influx. The trend chart indicates a surge in sargassum since June 1, with an estimated 14,800 tons having arrived this month.

The report also provides information about the current metoceanic conditions. Surface currents are estimated to travel from Xcalak to Mahahual, heading north with speeds between 0.28 and 0.34 m/s, and from Sian Ka'an to Cancun, also heading north with speeds between 0.48 and 1.06 m/s. East wind conditions are estimated to be between 07 to 15 knots.

Despite the increase, the situation has not yet reached the disastrous levels of previous years, when the overabundance of algae led to the death of marine fauna, including baby sea turtles. In Playa del Carmen, the seaweed's presence is particularly noticeable, especially in the city center. Federal Maritime Land Zone (Zofemat) personnel are working to clean the main coastal strips, which continue to attract thousands of tourists.