Sargassum Crisis: Why Some Quintana Roo Beaches Stay Clean

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The massive influx of sargassum along the coast of Quintana Roo has highlighted a stark contrast between two key tourist destinations: Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. While Puerto Morelos has successfully kept its beaches clean through an effective strategy combining anti-sargassum barriers, specialized vessels, and efficient collection, Playa del Carmen faces a critical situation, with tons of seaweed accumulating on its shores due to poor planning and the controversial use of heavy machinery—a practice prohibited in coastal areas.

Esteban Amaro, director of the Sargassum Monitoring Network of Quintana Roo, explained the reasons behind this disparity and the broader challenges facing the state in an interview with Expediente Quintana Roo.

Puerto Morelos: A Model of Success Against Sargassum

In Puerto Morelos, the anti-sargassum strategy has proven successful. According to Amaro, “In Puerto Morelos, the barrier has been working very well, efficiently directing sargassum to collection points.” He also highlighted the role of the Mexican Navy, which operates “two or three vessels cleaning the barrier, keeping Puerto Morelos’ beaches pristine.”

This comprehensive approach, combining well-designed crescent-shaped barriers with active collection, has prevented sargassum from reaching the shore, preserving the area’s tourism appeal.

Playa del Carmen: Ineffective Barriers and Acts of Vandalism

In contrast, Playa del Carmen faces a dire situation. Despite having a longer anti-sargassum barrier than Puerto Morelos—2.5 kilometers compared to 1.7 kilometers—its design and operation have been ineffective. Amaro noted, “The barrier isn’t being fully utilized because it has multiple gates. Boaters requested these openings for 24-hour access.”

These gates, necessary for ferries and tourist boats, have compromised the barrier’s functionality. “The barrier’s configuration isn’t the same as Puerto Morelos’ crescent-shaped setup. Here, the design isn’t efficient due to these entry points,” Amaro explained.

Additionally, the barrier’s initial installation was flawed. “There have been issues with its setup from the beginning, leading to poor performance today,” Amaro said. Worse yet, the barrier has been vandalized. “There have been acts of sabotage—buoys and sections of the barrier cut. Much of the poor configuration is due to unauthorized modifications,” he added, suggesting boaters may be behind these actions.

Use of Tractors: A Prohibited Practice Worsening the Problem

A particularly contentious issue is the use of heavy machinery on Playa del Carmen’s beaches to collect sargassum—a practice banned due to its environmental impact. Amaro stated, “The use of heavy machinery on the coastline is prohibited, but this is an environmental emergency.”

However, this measure has severe consequences. “Heavy machinery compacts the sand and damages sea turtle nests,” he warned. He also noted that sargassum accumulation acts “like sandpaper,” eroding beaches—a problem exacerbated by tractors. “When sargassum piles up on the shore, it accelerates erosion, creating steep drop-offs like those seen at Playa Mamitas and Playa 38.”

In contrast, Cancún has opted for less invasive methods, such as manual collection in shallow waters using baskets. Amaro acknowledged, “Manual collection isn’t always enough. One machine does the work of 50 manual laborers.” Despite initial criticism, Cancún’s approach has far less environmental impact than Playa del Carmen’s tractor use.

Recommendations for Playa del Carmen: Coordination and Planning

Amaro offered clear recommendations to improve Playa del Carmen’s situation. “Before installing barriers, agreements must be made with boaters and hotels to ensure efficiency. During peak sargassum months—May and June—navigation should be restricted, and alternative docking points should be established.”

He also emphasized the need to pair barriers with specialized vessels. “A barrier is an active system. It must work alongside collection boats. Without coordinated cleanup, sargassum decomposes in the water within 32 to 84 hours, turning into sludge.”

A Critical Outlook: 2025 Marks Worst Sargassum Year on Record

Beyond the local comparison, Amaro painted an alarming picture for Quintana Roo. “2025 is officially the worst sargassum year in history,” he said, citing data from the University of South Florida and satellite monitoring indicating approximately 40 million metric tons of sargassum floating from Africa to the Yucatán Peninsula.

Of this, 1%—4 million metric tons—reaches Quintana Roo’s coast, with 10% (400,000 tons) washing ashore. “Last year, we collected just over 40,000 tons. This year, we’re seeing nearly ten times that amount,” he stressed.

However, there is hope. Amaro noted shifts in ocean currents could reduce the impact. “In recent years, around June 20, sargassum begins diverting northward. If this trend continues, 70-80% of the sargassum heading our way may bypass us.”

An Environmental and Tourism Challenge

The disparity between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen reflects not only differences in strategy execution but also the complexity of coordinating interests among boaters, hotels, and authorities. While Puerto Morelos stands as a success story, Playa del Carmen faces an urgent challenge requiring better planning, coordination, and an end to environmentally damaging practices.

With summer approaching, the potential diversion of sargassum offers relief, but the scale of the 2025 crisis demands immediate and sustained action to protect Quintana Roo’s coastline—a cornerstone of its tourism economy.