A massive influx of sargassum has invaded the beaches of downtown Playa del Carmen, specifically Fundadores Park, the fiscal pier, and other central areas.
Despite efforts, authorities warn that the arrival of the macroalgae will not disappear soon; on the contrary, it is expected to increase due to ocean currents and weather conditions that anticipate its arrival in the coming days.
Likewise, the massive accumulation of sargassum has generated concern among business owners, residents, and authorities, as it not only affects the coastal landscape but also compromises the environmental quality of the beaches and accelerates their erosion.
Nevertheless, efforts are underway with personnel from the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) to collect and dispose of the seaweed. According to Noticaribe, the work begins very early in the morning with crews of workers using rakes, shovels, and heavy machinery.
The Mexican Navy is also carrying out sargassum cleanup operations along the coast of this municipality. In addition, the Navy has deployed an Emergency Beach Collection Group (GREP), composed of 110 personnel, along the coast of Playa del Carmen.
This year is expected to close with more than 118,900 tons of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean, 30% more than during the 2015 sargassum season. So far this year, more than 25,000 tons of the macroalgae have been collected, more than double the amount collected during the same period last year, when 10,000 tons were collected. (Sargassum has skyrocketed this year, with more than double the tonnage already).
According to Esteban Amaro, coordinator of the monitoring network, this period has been a critical time for marine ecosystems and the region’s tourism infrastructure.
Source: reportur
