Sargassum Invasion Hits 450km Cancún Coastline

The first major influx of sargassum this year has reached various beaches in the northern and southern parts of Quintana Roo, covering more than 450 kilometers of coastline from Punta Nizuc in Cancún to Xcalak in the southern part of the state, including the eastern coast of Cozumel Island.

This arrival follows patterns seen in previous years, where seasonal winds and ocean currents drive massive amounts of sargassum onto the shores of the Riviera Maya.

Sargassum influxes have become an annual challenge for Quintana Roo since 2011, when the first major bloom was recorded. Before this, sargassum presence was minimal, with occasional patches reaching the Caribbean coast. In 2015, the region experienced one of its worst sargassum seasons, with an estimated 10 million metric tons washing up along the coastline.

The problem intensified in 2018 and 2019, when record-breaking amounts covered the beaches, forcing resorts and local authorities to invest heavily in removal efforts. In 2022, another severe influx occurred, affecting tourism and marine ecosystems, with nearly 30,000 tons collected in Quintana Roo alone.

The current influx is due to a significant build-up of holopelagic sargassum biomass within the first 20 kilometers of the coast, pushed ashore by strong southeastern winds. These weather conditions are expected to persist over the coming days, leading to further accumulations along the shores.

Recent satellite imagery indicates that sargassum levels in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a massive floating biomass stretching across the Atlantic, remain high. This belt, which has expanded in recent years due to rising ocean temperatures and nutrient-rich runoff from major rivers, is a key contributor to the sargassum season in the Caribbean, which typically peaks between April and August.

Beyond its impact on tourism, sargassum has significant environmental consequences. When it decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide, a gas that produces a foul odor and can cause respiratory issues for beachgoers. It also depletes oxygen in the water, disrupting marine life and affecting key species such as sea turtles, which rely on the beaches for nesting.

Studies have shown that excessive sargassum accumulation can alter coastal ecosystems, damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds, which serve as critical habitats for marine biodiversity.

Authorities in Quintana Roo are actively working to mitigate the effects of the influx. The state government has deployed barriers to prevent sargassum from reaching the shore, while daily beach clean-up efforts aim to maintain key tourist areas. Research initiatives are also underway to explore potential uses for collected sargassum, including its transformation into fertilizer, biofuel, and construction materials.

Although efforts continue to manage the situation, experts warn that sargassum influxes may persist in the coming years, making long-term strategies essential for both environmental preservation and tourism sustainability in the Riviera Maya.