Quintana Roo Tightens Rules on Sargassum Harvesting

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Authorities in Quintana Roo are calling for clear regulations on the collection of sargassum in open waters following its recent classification as a fishery resource in Mexico’s Official Gazette. The new designation requires rigorous environmental oversight to prevent negative ecological impacts.

Legal Shift Opens Door for Industrial Use

Governor Mara Lezama confirmed that the legal change now allows for the exploration of sustainable harvesting methods to avoid harming marine species. She emphasized that discussions with environmental experts, including Alicia Bárcena, head of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), have centered on converting sargassum into biofuel as part of a circular economy strategy.

“This is a pivotal decision to optimize its use,” Lezama stated. “The new classification demands strict environmental monitoring to ensure no harm to ecosystems.”

The move aims to address the cyclical influx of sargassum, which has repeatedly affected Quintana Roo’s coastline in recent years. The state seeks to establish a national and international model balancing economic development, sustainable tourism, and environmental protection.

Permits and Sustainable Practices Required

Óscar Rébora, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Environment, clarified that private entities can now collect sargassum offshore for industrial purposes—a practice previously unregulated.

“Before, sargassum existed in a legal gray area—neither classified as waste nor a fishery resource,” Rébora explained. “Now, permits from the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca) and guidelines from the Mexican Institute for Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS) will be mandatory.”

He noted growing interest from businesses in processing sargassum and highlighted opportunities for local cooperatives and entrepreneurs to apply for collection permits, provided they adhere to sustainable methods.

The state government views this regulatory shift as a critical step toward mitigating the environmental and economic challenges posed by sargassum while unlocking its potential as a resource.