“Discover the Shocking Truth About Sargasso Algae in Quintana Roo!”

The Citizen Sargasso Observatory has reported that just one out of 138 monitored beaches in the state is experiencing an excessive accumulation of sargasso algae. The most recent data reveals that 11 beaches are entirely free from sargasso, 47 have low levels, 33 have moderate levels, and 46 have high levels. Only one beach, however, is dealing with an excessive amount. The beaches most impacted by high levels of sargasso are located in Punta Allen, Sian Kaan, Tulum, Akumal, and Riviera Cancun.

On the other hand, the beaches of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Xcalak are experiencing moderate sargasso levels. Meanwhile, the coasts of Holbox, Costa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, Cancún, Cozumel, and Mahahual have low sargasso levels. The only areas completely free from sargasso are Isla Contoy and Chetumal.

Sargasso reproduces every 20 days, potentially leading to significant blooms at the start of the summer season. While it's challenging to predict due to varying weather conditions and ocean currents, it's estimated that roughly 60% of the sargasso will move north, with the remaining 30% impacting the Mexican Caribbean.

Although it's too early to determine the exact biomass, it's anticipated that the sargasso influx will be more significant than in 2023, but less severe than in previous years. More accurate predictions can be made a few months before the sargasso's arrival, once the division of the algae mass in the Antilles is observed. More information about the extent of the sargasso influx in the Mexican Caribbean will be available as the season progresses.