Sargassum Doesn’t Deter Mexico Tourism, Says Sheinbaum

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that the presence of sargassum on the beaches of Quintana Roo has not had a measurable impact on tourism in the region. During her morning press conference at the National Palace on Wednesday, the president emphasized coordinated efforts between federal and state governments, as well as private businesses, to address the issue.

Government and Business Collaboration

Sheinbaum highlighted the significant work of Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama, the Secretariat of the Navy, and local hoteliers in mitigating the effects of sargassum. “There has been no real impact observed where tourism in Quintana Roo has declined due to sargassum on some beaches, but it must be addressed,” she said.

Three-Pronged Approach

The president outlined three key strategies being implemented to manage the seaweed influx:

1. Containment and Cleanup: Efforts focus on keeping beaches clean through barriers and machinery for collection.
2. Scientific Research: A team led by Rosaura Ruiz, Secretary of Sciences, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, is investigating the causes of sargassum proliferation, with international collaboration.
3. Sustainable Utilization: Exploring ways to repurpose sargassum for energy production, construction materials, and other applications, provided it is harvested at sea.

Uncertain Origins

Sheinbaum noted that the exact cause of the sargassum surge remains unclear. Some scientists attribute it to deforestation in the Amazon, while others link it to climate change. “Sargassum has always existed, but it previously did not reach the Mexican Caribbean—it drifted elsewhere,” she explained.

Ongoing Measures

The federal government continues installing barriers and deploying machinery to collect sargassum before it reaches shore. Sheinbaum stressed the importance of finding practical uses for the seaweed to prevent it from becoming waste.