Tulum, Q.R. — Two Navy sargassum vessels have been deployed off the coast of Tulum to intercept arriving seaweed. The pair of collection vessels are now operating off the municipal coast to reinforce sargassum collection efforts after having been out of service more than six months.
According to Admiral Marco Antonio Muñoz Hernández, the Commander of the XI Naval Zone, three vessels assigned to Tulum underwent maintenance at the Chetumal fiscal pier and are now in optimal operating condition.
Two of the three have already redeployed off the coast of Tulum. He says logistical preparations are underway to improve their operation in the area.
David Buchanan García, the Director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) Tulum, confirmed that sargassum collection centers began operating in the municipality a couple of weeks ago.
He says the goal is to reduce the environmental impact due to the massive grounding of sargassum, a phenomenon that has consistently affected the tourist image and ecological balance of the region.
To improve vessel maneuvering efficiency for the unloading of the sargassum collected at sea, local authorities, in coordination with federal agencies, are installing a floating dock in the coastal area.
This project, promoted by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), will facilitate embarkation and disembarkation as well as provide greater security in the daily operations of naval units.
Buchanan García says with the improved logistics, sargassum collection for the municipality of Tulum is expected to be more effective.
