The coastal areas of Quintana Roo are bracing for another massive influx of sargassum this weekend. According to Naval Zone XI Commander Marco Antonio Muñoz Hernández, an unprecedented 85 tons of the seaweed is expected to wash ashore.
Cancun’s beaches will be hit the hardest, with approximately 15 tons forecasted to land on its shores. Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres are also in line for significant sargassum deposits, with around 24 tons predicted to arrive. Tulum, Xcacel, and Akumal can expect an influx of about 26 tons, while the coastal towns of Xcalac and Mahahual will have to deal with another 20 tons.
Despite efforts by government agencies in Quintana Roo and local municipalities to remove sargassum from beaches, nearly 4,983 tons have washed up on shore since monitoring began. However, a recent announcement by CEO Ignacio Muñoz of The Seas We Love offers new hope for addressing the issue.
Muñoz revealed that sargassum will soon be classified as a fishery resource, allowing its collection on the high seas before it reaches land. This measure could potentially reduce sargassum strandings by between 70% and 85%, making it up to five times more cost-effective than traditional land-based management.
According to Muñoz, “Sargassum is a problem that comes from the sea, and it must be solved at sea.” This innovative approach may finally provide a solution to the persistent sargassum problem plaguing Cancun’s beaches.
Source: Reportur
