Tulum, Quintana Roo – During the peak tourist season, Tulum beaches are already registering the presence of sargassum. This year, the macroalgae arrived early at various points along the Mexican Caribbean. Its appearance is drawing attention from environmental authorities and the tourism sector.
According to Esteban Jesús Amaro Mauricio, director of the Sargassum Monitoring Network in Quintana Roo, the macroalgae has been detected for several days. In the southern part of the state, sargassum is appearing mainly in Mahahual and Xcalak. In the north, it has been observed in Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and the eastern coast of Cozumel.
Furthermore, the specialist explained that state authorities are conducting permanent monitoring using satellite images. This allows them to estimate sargassum routes, calculate biomass quantity, and anticipate the impact on the coasts.
Projections indicate that sargassum arrivals will increase towards the end of January. Greater intensity is expected between February and April, months that historically record the highest volumes of this macroalgae.
Amaro Mauricio noted that in 15 to 20 days, more precise preliminary information will be available. This will allow for better assessment of the environmental and tourism impact and for strengthening attention and mitigation strategies in coastal municipalities.
With this early monitoring, authorities aim to minimize damage and maintain the attractive image of Tulum beaches during the peak season.
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