Sargazo Shifts North: Cancún Hit as South Sees Relief

Cancún, Quintana Roo — In the final stretch of the 2025 sargazo season, ocean currents have shifted the seaweed’s accumulation patterns, reducing its presence in the southern and central regions of Quintana Roo while significantly increasing deposits in Cancún and Isla Mujeres. Beaches such as El Mirador and Marlín have seen an exponential rise in sargazo buildup, according to Esteban Amaro, director of the Sargazo Monitoring Center.

Shifting Currents Redirect Seaweed

Amaro described recent conditions as chaotic, particularly along Cancún’s southern beaches, including Playa Delfines and Marlín. “This is due to the diversion of currents,” he explained. “The sargazo is being redirected northward, and much of the biomass that was washing ashore in southern areas like Othón P. Blanco, Bacalar, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and Tulum has now shifted toward the north.”

Isla Mujeres, which had previously remained relatively unaffected, has also begun experiencing substantial accumulations this week. “This demonstrates how dynamic sargazo is,” Amaro noted. “Its trajectory changes due to marine currents and, above all, wind. This complexity exceeds initial expectations.”

Relief Expected Soon

Despite the current surge, Amaro anticipates a decline in sargazo arrivals. “This is likely the last intense month,” he said. “By September, we expect a significant reduction.”

In mid-July, Mexico’s Navy announced reinforced efforts to combat sargazo along Quintana Roo’s coastlines with the addition of four new seaweed-collecting barges. These vessels, equipped with conveyor belts to harvest sargazo at sea before it reaches shore, bring the Navy’s total fleet to 16 dedicated units.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Amaro emphasized that sargazo is not just a problem for hotels but an environmental issue threatening the competitiveness of the tourist destination. The seaweed’s rapid spread has raised concerns about its long-term effects on coastal ecosystems and local economies.