Playa del Carmen, Mexico – The Secretariat of the Navy has introduced the deployment of a 2.5-kilometer (1.55-mile) anti-sargassum barrier off the coast of Playa del Carmen. This measure goals to stop the recurrent inflow of sargassum algae from disrupting tourism actions and harming the native ecosystem through the annual season.
The barrier stretches from Playa Fundadores to the Constituyentes pier, forming a crescent form with a central opening to permit the passage of vessels whereas successfully blocking the mass arrival of sargassum. Two smaller boats are tasked with the set up and upkeep of the barrier, guaranteeing that the algae don’t attain the shore. Decomposing sargassum emits disagreeable odors and poses vital threats to each the pure surroundings and the tourism business.
Present Sargassum Season within the Mexican Caribbean
The Mexican Caribbean is presently experiencing a vital improve in sargassum seaweed on its seashores.
In line with the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), the gathering of sargassum in Tulum has greater than doubled through the first two months of 2025 in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months. In January and February, Tulum collected 79 metric tons and 59 metric tons of seaweed respectively, up from 36 metric tons in January and 50 metric tons in February 2024. Zofemat anticipates even larger seaweed ranges through the peak sargassum season from Could to November, notably affecting the Tulum coast.
The elevated prevalence of sargassum not solely deters tourism but in addition negatively impacts marine ecosystems, because the decomposing algae degrade water high quality and might result in the demise of seagrass beds. Efforts are underway to handle the inflow, together with each day assortment by devoted groups and coordination between state and federal authorities.
