Sargassum Buildup Threatens Sea Turtle Nesting in Quintana Roo, Activist Warns

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Jorge Fuentes Gómez, a sea turtle activist with more than 40 years of experience, warned that the accumulation of sargassum is posing a serious threat to sea turtle nesting in Quintana Roo.

In an interview Sunday, Fuentes said the presence of sargassum can prevent some sea turtles from nesting successfully or force them to seek alternative, unprotected or unsuitable nesting sites along the coast.

The specialist noted that toxic gases released by sargassum that remains on the shoreline for extended periods could also harm the species.

Fuentes said the sargassum buildup is not only affecting tourism but also disrupting the marine ecosystem in the state.

Compounding the problem, beaches are suffering erosion and degradation due to the constant arrival of the algae and cleanup efforts.

Although the Municipal Committee for the Protection of Sea Turtles has not yet received reports of turtles directly affected by sargassum, Fuentes estimated that the phenomenon could have a significant impact this season.

“So far we have no reports of consequences. Some hatchlings haven’t emerged yet, but personally I believe that when a turtle arrives and sees sargassum, it tends to change location. It stays in the same general area, but moves to a different spot. The problem is when a turtle lays eggs and for some reason the nest goes undetected,” he said.

Fuentes called on authorities to strengthen monitoring and cleanup efforts while avoiding disruption to nesting sites.

He stressed that coordination among authorities, specialists, and environmental organizations is key to a successful nesting season.

In Quintana Roo, the sea turtle nesting season officially begins in May and ends in late October. Hatchling release season runs from July to November.