Puerto Morelos, Q.R. — Permanent clearing actions are keeping Puerto Morelos beaches free from washed up sargassum. Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz says more than 4,000 tons has already been collected from local beaches this season.
She says although the sargassum is a natural phenomenon that affects a large part of the Caribbean coast, Puerto Morelos has important tools that allow it to significantly reduce its impact.
“We know that sargassum is a natural phenomenon that affects much of the Caribbean coast. However, in Puerto Morelos we have important allies, such as our 2.3 kilometers of sargassum barrier and the protection provided by our reef, which help us to significantly reduce its arrival on the beaches,” she explained.
Blanca Merari says in coordination with various agencies, permanent monitoring, containment and cleaning efforts are maintained through specialized brigades that promptly address any influx of the macroalgae in the coastal area.
She also invited tourists and residents to enjoy the beaches, natural beauty, gastronomy, and hospitality that distinguish Puerto Morelos.
“We continue working with commitment and responsibility to care for our natural resources and offer dignified spaces for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in Puerto Morelos,” he emphasized.
Gerardo Rosas García, the Secretary of the Environment, Animal Welfare and Sustainable Mobility, explained that the operational strength of the municipality through the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) together with the Secretariat of the Navy have helped Puerto Morelos to move forward in this battle.
“We have 40 people from the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone, two sweepers, two backhoes, one handler to service the final disposal site for the macroalgae, as well as a roll-off truck.
“The Mexican Navy is supporting us with the ship Natans, three pontoon boats that clean the barrier in addition to 52 Navy personnel who are assisting in the removal of sargassum on the beaches,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Zofemat Director Emmanuel Tuz Betancour indicated that, so far this year, 4,017 tons of sargassum have been collected between January and May 2016.
January saw an influx of 542.4 tons while February saw 604.1. In March 1,164.24 was removed, during April 912.2 and in May, 793.8 tons.
He says these actions are strengthened thanks to the participation of the hotel sector, whose efforts complement the municipal work to keep the coastal strip free of the macroalgae and preserve the image of one of the main tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
