Tulum Beaches Battling Surging Sargassum Crisis

The amount of sargassum collected on the beaches of Tulum has risen by over 50% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Juan Antonio Garza, the municipal director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), reported these figures. He stated that in January and February 2024, 36 and 50 tons of sargassum were collected respectively. However, these numbers were surpassed in 2025, with 79 tons collected in January and 59 tons in February.

Garza explained that this increase in collection is due to an expected surge in sargassum in 2025, which significantly impacts Tulum's coasts. He pointed out that this natural occurrence has intensified in recent years and continues to challenge local authorities. They must act effectively to keep the beaches clean and safe for tourists, the municipality's primary source of income.

Garza also praised his team of over 50 people, who are dedicated to daily sargassum collection in various protected natural areas of Tulum, including Tulum National Park, Punta Piedra, and Akumal. He stressed the importance of coordination with state and federal authorities to address this issue, which affects the entire state of Quintana Roo.

Garza emphasized the collective effort to mitigate the ecological and economic impact of sargassum. Its accumulation on the beaches not only harms marine ecosystems but also tarnishes the image of the coasts, affecting the tourism industry. He expressed confidence that with the collaboration of all levels of government and the continuous work of his team, Tulum can continue to tackle this challenge and preserve the beauty of its beaches.