Sargassum Crisis Threatens Akumal’s Sea Turtle Nests

Akumal, Quintana Roo — The accumulation of sargassum on Akumal’s beaches is severely disrupting the nesting process of sea turtles, particularly during this critical conservation season for green and loggerhead species.

Sea Turtle Nesting in Akumal Hits Historic Lows

According to a report from the Akumal Ecological Center (CEA), only 362 nests have been recorded as of July 22, 2024—191 from loggerhead turtles and 173 from green turtles. This marks a sharp decline compared to the same period in 2023, when 895 nests had already been documented.

Héctor Lizárraga Cubedo, director of the CEA, explained that sargassum reduces visibility in the ocean and blocks access to traditional nesting areas. This obstruction has drastically reduced activity in historically active zones such as Bahía Media Luna, where only one green turtle nest has been recorded this year.

Most Affected Areas

The hardest-hit beaches are Bahía Media Luna and Akumal Sur, where nesting numbers remain critically low. Bahía Media Luna has registered only 22 loggerhead nests and one green turtle nest, while Akumal Sur has recorded 25 loggerhead nests and 23 green turtle nests.

In contrast, Playa Tortugas remains the most active nesting site this season, with 96 loggerhead nests and 52 green turtle nests.

A Critical Season for Conservation

Sea turtle monitoring is essential for protecting these endangered species. The 2024 nesting season—the lowest in the past decade, according to Lizárraga—has raised alarms among authorities and environmental organizations, which continue to assess the long-term impact of sargassum on these vulnerable ecosystems.