Sargassum Crisis in Mexican Caribbean Requires Long-Term Solutions, Expert Says

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The persistent sargassum influx plaguing Mexico’s Caribbean coast requires fundamental solutions beyond containment, according to an environmental expert who warns that current approaches lack sufficient scientific analysis of the seaweed’s origins.

Francisco Ramírez Moreno, president of the Icloby Latam Foundation, said authorities have focused primarily on managing the visible effects of the macroalgae without deeply examining the underlying causes, which limits the effectiveness of strategies.

“We need to address the problem at its source,” Ramírez Moreno emphasized.

Scientific Understanding Key to Addressing Sargassum

The specialist explained that sargassum originates in specific ocean areas and travels via marine currents to Caribbean shores. Factors like climate change and rising sea temperatures favor its proliferation, making understanding these processes crucial.

“Strengthening scientific research is necessary,” he stated, highlighting that comprehensive analysis should inform both immediate and long-term approaches.

Proposing Sustainable Uses for Sargassum Biomass

Beyond containment, Ramírez Moreno advocated for industrial and sustainable utilization of sargassum, noting that this biomass could be converted into useful materials for various productive sectors.

Potential applications include manufacturing bricks, footwear, and compost, which could generate both economic value and environmental benefits.

Coordinated Short and Long-Term Strategies

The academic, who also teaches at the University of Barcelona, said solutions must involve coordinated actions across different timeframes.

For the short term, he proposed containing sargassum at sea using collection barges that don’t disrupt ecological balance. Long-term measures should include strengthening environmental public policies and reducing plastic use.

Collaboration and Social Awareness Essential

Ramírez Moreno stressed the importance of enhancing offshore containment through collaboration between the public sector and private investment. He also highlighted specialized conferences and forums as valuable platforms for raising awareness and promoting concrete solutions.

“The participation of young people, business leaders, and experts is crucial,” he said, emphasizing that coordination remains fundamental.

While acknowledging environmental policy advances in Quintana Roo and during Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, Ramírez Moreno cautioned that results will materialize over the medium to long term.

“The first step has already been taken,” he noted.