Atlantic Sargassum Hits Record 40M Tons, Threatens Beaches

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Atlantic Ocean's sargassum belt has reached a new record, with an estimated 40 million metric tons of the macroalgae now floating in its waters. According to hydrobiologist Esteban Amaro, director of the Sargassum Monitoring Network in Quintana Roo, approximately 400,000 tons of this seaweed are expected to wash ashore along the state’s coastline in 2025, surpassing previous records set in 2015, 2018, and 2022.

Unprecedented Growth Threatens Tourism

The University of South Florida, which specializes in global sargassum monitoring, reported a sharp increase from nearly 32 million metric tons in April to 40 million in May. Amaro warned that 2025 will be the most challenging year yet for Quintana Roo, with the sargassum influx severely impacting tourism in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.

Tourists from Mexico City visiting the Riviera Maya expressed disappointment, noting the Caribbean Sea’s iconic turquoise hue has turned brown in many areas. Some reported walking up to a kilometer along the shore without finding a clear entry point into the water.

Economic and Environmental Strain

Government estimates indicate that sargassum management consumes up to 11% of Quintana Roo’s GDP—approximately $2 billion annually—covering cleanup operations, monitoring, logistics, personnel, and equipment. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of seaweed has overwhelmed local resources.

As of this week, 16,866 tons of sargassum have been collected, including 866 tons removed between January and April, 16,000 tons cleared from beaches in recent days, and 3,236 tons extracted from the ocean in a single weekend.

Critical Impact on Key Destinations

In Playa del Carmen, beaches such as Punta Esmeralda, Playa Colosio, El Recodo, Fundadores, and Playa Car have been inundated with over 200 tons of sargassum. Since January, 6,590 tons of seaweed and 203 tons of mixed trash have been removed. A team of 101 workers and seven excavators struggles to clear 150 to 200 tons daily, but ocean currents continue to deposit more.

Restaurants and local businesses report significant losses, with fewer tourists willing to endure the foul odors and unsightly conditions. Playas like Xcacel-Xcacelito, Arco Maya, and Punta Piedra face massive accumulations, deterring visitors and straining the efforts of the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) to maintain access.

Long-Term Concerns

Amaro emphasized that without a comprehensive strategy, the region’s reputation as a sustainable beach destination is at risk. The economic toll is compounded by an already weak low season, leaving service providers grappling with declining revenues.

The sargassum crisis shows no signs of abating, with experts predicting further challenges as the algae continues to proliferate in the Atlantic.