“Mexico’s Navy Takes Bold Action Against Sargassum in Mahahual!”

Mexico's Secretary of Navy (Semar) plans to install new anchors and extend barriers in the northern and southern areas of Mahahual. This initiative aims to prevent the influx of sargassum on the Grand Costa Maya's coast. The decision was made in collaboration with Mahahual's tourist service providers, the Association of Hotels of the Central and South Quintana Roo, and the municipal presidency of Othón P. Blanco.

Semar already possesses the sargassum containment barrier and will place it as soon as the new anchors' installation is complete. The cost of these new anchors will be covered by the municipality of Othón P. Blanco. The placement of the sargassum containment barrier will be based on the knowledge and experiences gained in previous years.

The Navy will coordinate with tourist service providers to distribute and place the barriers. The providers will contribute two boats and a team of 10 people for this task. They have also offered Semar personnel access to basic services during the barrier installation period.

The municipality of Othón P. Blanco will organize teams to collect sargassum from designated sites and transport it to a disposal center provided by Quintana Roo's Procurator for Environmental Protection (PPA).

During the planning meeting, it was noted that there have been instances of buoy theft. As a result, Semar and the tourist service providers agreed to increase surveillance.

This new strategy involving the Navy, state government, and municipal government has been praised as a success. It is particularly appreciated by those who are most affected by the sargassum issue, including restaurateurs, boatmen, and hoteliers in Mahahual.

The municipality of Othón P. Blanco will bear the cost of the new anchors, a responsibility initially expected to be shouldered by local entrepreneurs.