The unusual arrival of sargassum seaweed on the coasts of Quintana Roo triggered an emergency response from the Mexican Navy, which is reinforcing beach cleanups and the early installation of sargassum barriers, primarily in the southern part of the state.
The commander of the 11th Naval Zone, Vice Admiral Marco Antonio Muñoz, reported that although this phenomenon does not correspond to the usual season of mass arrivals, an atypical presence of the seaweed was detected, requiring an immediate intensification of response efforts.
He explained that, while sargassum control efforts continue year-round, they were currently in a maintenance phase prior to the official start of the season, which led to the reactivation and acceleration of field operations.
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Sargassum cleanup efforts in Quintana Roo have already begun in recent days.
Beach Cleanup and Coordinated Work
In coordination with state and municipal authorities, as well as with the participation of the public, Navy personnel were deployed to directly assist in the collection of sargassum on beaches, using both manual labor and specialized vehicles to remove the seaweed accumulated along the coastline.
The efforts are concentrated mainly in southern Quintana Roo, where the sargassum influx has been most noticeable in recent days.
Navy Activates Emergency Action Due to Unusual Sargassum Arrival in Quintana Roo
One of the key points of the strategy is the early installation of the sargassum barrier in Mahahual, with the goal of containing the seaweed before it reaches the coast. Currently, approximately 2,300 meters of barrier are in place, and an expansion of the system by an additional 500 to 600 meters is being considered to improve its effectiveness and divert the sargassum seaweed out to sea.
The vice admiral explained that some temporary structures were removed for maintenance, but they are already being reinstalled, with the aim of maintaining coverage in the most vulnerable areas.
When questioned about a possible early start to the sargassum season, Marco Antonio Muñoz clarified that this is an atypical event, caused by natural conditions that favored the seaweed’s movement toward the Mexican Caribbean. He added that constant monitoring is being carried out in the open sea, allowing for timely decision-making.
He noted that 18,534 tons of sargassum were collected during 2025, of which 7,906 tons were removed from beaches and 10,627 tons were captured in the water before reaching the coast.
Finally, the Mexican Navy reiterated that it will maintain its ongoing support for Quintana Roo in the fight against sargassum, as this phenomenon directly impacts the environment, tourism, and the local economy.
Source: quintanaroo.heraldodemexico
