Quintana Roo Urged to Declare Sargassum Emergency

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Hoteliers in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres are urging authorities to declare an environmental emergency over the massive influx of sargassum seaweed along the coastline. They argue that this measure would unlock extraordinary funds and enable more decisive actions to combat an ecological crisis they describe as not just a local issue but a regional and global challenge. Some voices in the sector are even pushing for a natural disaster declaration for the Mexican Caribbean, which could facilitate federal aid and insurance claims, similar to hurricane response protocols.

Unprecedented Sargassum Threat

More than 40 million metric tons of sargassum, stretching from Africa to the Mexican Caribbean, continue to threaten Quintana Roo with potentially catastrophic ecological and economic consequences. Tourism operators and business owners report unquantifiable financial losses and demand coordinated strategies involving all levels of government and private enterprise.

The proliferation of sargassum in the Atlantic Ocean represents an unprecedented environmental and economic threat to several countries, including Mexico, with Quintana Roo and Yucatán bearing the brunt. This summer, the crisis has reached alarming levels, with over 40 million metric tons floating in the tropical Atlantic—more than double the amount recorded in 2022, according to a recent report from the University of South Florida.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The so-called “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt,” an oceanic strip extending from Africa to the western Caribbean, continues to expand. Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guyana, and particularly Mexico’s Quintana Roo beaches are experiencing the most severe impacts. The situation is expected to worsen, with peak accumulation projected for mid-summer.

When sargassum washes ashore, it decomposes, releasing hydrogen sulfide—a toxic gas with a rotten-egg odor that degrades air quality and poses health risks. In areas like Playa del Carmen and Mahahual, beaches are blanketed by foul-smelling mats that block sunlight, raise water temperatures, and hinder photosynthesis. Scientific studies indicate that beneath these layers, water temperatures can rise by up to five degrees Celsius, while light penetration decreases by 73%, suffocating coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Government Measures and Challenges

In the Mexican Caribbean, the Navy and state brigades have removed over 20,000 tons of sargassum in the first months of the year. However, these efforts fall short. Heavy machinery damages the sand, runoff contaminates aquifers, and personnel cannot keep up with demand. The cost is also prohibitive: cleaning one kilometer of beach requires an annual investment exceeding $1 million, according to Leticia Durand Smith, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that environmental authorities are evaluating methods to remove sargassum before it reaches the coast. Additionally, her administration is collaborating with the Quintana Roo government to build a plant that repurposes sargassum into biogas.

Scientific and Industrial Solutions

Scientists are exploring ways to turn the ecological disaster into an opportunity. Zulema Juárez Cortés, a marine sciences expert, announced a new research initiative at the Center for Biological Research in Baja California Sur. Her team is studying sargassum’s microbiota to identify bacteria capable of breaking down the algae and producing biodegradable plastics.

Coastal Crisis and Tourism Fallout

The most critical coastal zones are in Quintana Roo’s top tourist destinations. In Tulum, sargassum arrivals have increased by 25% compared to last year, with 300 tons removed from beaches in April alone. In Mahahual and Xcalak, beaches are completely covered, with cleanup crews removing over 100 tons in a single day.

Tourism operators report cancellations due to the foul odor and unsightly beaches. Offner Arjona, president of a local small hotels association, revealed that occupancy has dropped to 30–35%, far below the usual 50% for this season. “If there’s no tourism, there’s no income,” he warned.

Large resorts, however, have maintained relatively stable occupancy rates by redirecting guests to pools and other amenities. Rodrigo de la Peña, president of the Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, noted regional occupancy at around 70% but acknowledged the challenge of keeping beaches clean.

Calls for Stronger Action

Business leaders are pressing for an environmental emergency declaration to access additional funds and implement more robust measures. The state government has increased its sargassum response budget to 63 million pesos, and the Navy has deployed over 300 personnel dedicated to cleanup efforts.

Long-Term Challenges

Experts warn that sargassum is here to stay, requiring long-term strategies rooted in science, technology, and international cooperation. While some hope for seasonal relief in July and August, the consensus is clear: the Mexican Caribbean must adapt to this “new normal.”