Sargassum-Cleaning Ship Natans Clears 500 Tons Off Mexico Coast

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The fight against sargassum in Quintana Roo continues with the deployment of the specialized vessel Natans, operated by Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR). The ship has been instrumental in removing hundreds of tons of the invasive seaweed from the coastline ahead of the 2025 summer tourist season.

A New Weapon in the Battle Against Sargassum

The Natans is a key component of the state and municipal governments’ strategy to mitigate the environmental and economic impact of sargassum. Governor Mara Lezama and Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado have overseen its operations, which aim to prevent large accumulations of the algae from reaching Quintana Roo’s beaches.

The vessel, capable of holding 250 tons of sargassum, operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and can remain at sea for up to five days. It utilizes a stern-based collection system with two conveyor belts that transport the seaweed into onboard storage. A 16-member naval crew operates the ship from its base in Yucalpetén, Progreso.

Governor Lezama and Federal Officials Monitor Progress

Governor Mara Lezama recently conducted an inspection tour aboard the Natans alongside Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena. During the visit, Lezama emphasized the coordinated efforts between state and federal agencies to address the sargassum crisis.

"Together with Secretary Bárcena, we witnessed the extraordinary work being done to contain and collect sargassum before it reaches our shores," Lezama stated. "This comprehensive strategy begins with our monitoring center, continues with offshore and beach cleanups, and will soon be reinforced by the Sargassum Circular Economy Park, where we will transform this environmental challenge into energy, jobs, and development for our people."

Key achievements highlighted during the inspection included:

• Over 500 tons of sargassum collected this season
• Coordination with 11 additional sargassum-cleaning vessels
• Targeted operations in high-priority areas

The state government remains committed to minimizing the impact of sargassum on tourism and local ecosystems as the summer travel season approaches.