Sargassum Threatens to Devour 11% of Quintana Roo’s Economy, BID Warns

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The massive influx of sargassum in Quintana Roo has escalated from an environmental crisis to an economic threat that could cost up to 11% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a recent study by the Inter-American Development Bank (BID).

The BID warned of a severe impact on the Mexican Caribbean economy. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to announce a federal strategy within the next 15 days to mitigate the damage.

Oscar Rébora Aguilera, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Ecology and Environment, confirmed the severity of the problem. He noted that small tourism service providers and the fishing sector have been hit hardest by the seaweed’s arrival.

Key Destinations in Critical Condition

Major tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum are currently experiencing critical sargassum accumulations. Projections indicate the phenomenon will continue with intensity through August, September, and October due to accelerated algae growth in the Atlantic Ocean.

So far, Quintana Roo authorities have collected approximately 87,000 tons of sargassum. While this figure has not yet surpassed last year’s record, officials expect the historical barrier to be broken before the end of the arrival season.

New Federal Strategy Against Sargassum

To address the crisis, the federal government will form a multidisciplinary scientific team in coordination with the Mexican Navy, the Environment Ministry (Semarnat), and the Tourism Secretariat. Rébora said the team will investigate the causes of the proliferation and design long-term containment actions.

Beyond the economic blow, the persistence of sargassum on beaches causes severe environmental damage. Its decomposition produces toxic leachates, releases greenhouse gases, and accelerates coastal erosion, forcing authorities to reinforce containment barrier infrastructure.

From Threat to Opportunity: Circular Economy

As part of a long-term solution, the state government is promoting projects to turn the problem into a productive advantage. Through the Development Pole for Wellbeing, officials plan to use the collected biomass.

Among the initiatives is the construction of a biogas production plant. Through these circular economy efforts, Quintana Roo aims to curb negative impacts and convert the macroalgae into a source of sustainable energy.