“Sargassum Transformation: New Permits Spark Seaweed Product Boom”

Two businesses in Quintana Roo have been granted permits to treat sargassum seaweed. They have developed and are now selling products derived from this seaweed in department stores. This development comes in the wake of last year's launch of the Comprehensive Sargassum Management and Exploitation Strategy. This initiative brought together over 60 interested parties, providing legal certainty for companies engaged in sargassum processing.

One of the strategy's aims is to foster a circular economy. In line with this, two companies, one in Playa del Carmen and the other in Cancún, have already begun marketing their products. These range from cosmetics to sinks. Furthermore, two additional companies are currently seeking the necessary permits and authorizations to transform sargassum, thus ensuring a safe product.

Plans are underway to establish these regulations within the year. The goal is to provide legal assurance and create an annual operating plan for implementing this strategy. Collaboration is ongoing with the Secretary of the Navy for the collection of macroalgae in shallow waters, and with Zofemat, which handles the sargassum on the coast. Anti-sargassum barriers are also being installed as part of these efforts.

Companies from other countries have shown interest in transforming sargassum into biogas in Quintana Roo. The companies that have been granted permits are responsible for collecting and processing the seaweed.