Authorities and experts in Quintana Roo are preparing for a significant influx of Sargassum on the state’s coasts by 2025. The Sargassum Monitoring Network of Quintana Roo predicts a high season for the macroalgae next year.
During the current season, an estimated 37,000 tons of Sargassum were collected from the shallow waters and beaches of the state. This represents a 60% increase from the previous year, which saw more than 22,000 tons collected. However, these figures are still significantly lower than the record set in 2018, when over 522,226 tons of Sargassum were collected.
State Governor Mara Lezama emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining clean beaches. She stated, “We will continue working 24/7, without rest, to ensure our beaches remain pristine. Quintana Roo is a state that thrives in the face of adversity.” This season, a budget of over 125.6 million pesos was allocated for this purpose, funded by the Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR) and the State Government.
Recent studies suggest that rising ocean temperatures and increased nutrient levels in the water are creating conditions conducive to a larger Sargassum bloom in 2025. However, this phenomenon could potentially divert towards the Lesser Antilles. Esteban Amaro Mauricio, director of the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network, noted, “We may see an early arrival of Sargassum around January or February, and a peak in April or May. If the trend of the past two years continues, there could be a smaller amount in the summer as it would be diverted north.”
In light of these projections, biologists are recommending preventive measures to mitigate the impact of Sargassum. These include improving waste management to reduce ocean pollution and exploring more efficient techniques for sustainable collection and use of this macroalgae.
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