Massive Sargassum Invasion Hits Isla Mujeres – Shocking Cleanup Story

Hurricane Beryl brought a massive influx of sargassum, a type of macroalgae, to the shores of Punta Sam and Costa Mujeres. Nearly 300 tons of this seaweed washed up along the 11 km coastline. Local lodging staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly since last Tuesday to remove the seaweed.

The public beach area, which spans 250 meters and includes the terminal of the Quintana Roo Integral Port Administration (Apiqroo), was cleared of sargassum by noon. This effort was made possible by the hard work of volunteers and municipal employees, who collected several tons of the seaweed. The exact amount collected, however, was not specified.

The clean-up operation began last Saturday at the 18 local lodging centers. By Tuesday, most of these centers had finished their clean-up efforts, ensuring a seaweed-free environment for their guests.

The east winds of the storm pushed the sargassum into the Bay of Women, affecting the waters of Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, and Costa Mujeres. A similar situation occurred in Isla Mujeres, where 67 tons of sargassum were removed last Sunday. The week before, approximately 600 tons were removed from the island due to persistent winds from the same direction. This was an unprecedented amount for the month of June and a stark contrast to the less than 200 tons removed in 2023, according to Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) staff.

Despite the inconvenience, the sargassum has its uses. In 2023, some people were observed burying the seaweed on North Beach to fertilize the local coconut palms, chits, and mangroves, which help combat erosion. This practice, however, was discontinued due to criticism. Some private individuals and companies also collect smaller volumes of sargassum from the eastern coast of the island to fertilize their gardens and green spaces. The municipal government, however, does not currently use the seaweed or any other harvested foliage for composting, especially during periods of severe weather.