Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Dozens of islanders spent the weekend removing more than 60 tons of sargassum that was left behind on Isla Mujeres beaches. It is the second time already this season that the island’s beaches, which normally remain sargassum-free, have been inundated.
Dayana Alejandra Pérez Medina, the Director of Isla Mujeres Zofemat, said a majority of the unwanted seaweed was located on Playa Norte. The sargassum arrived again, like last time, after a severe storm.
On this occasion, Pérez Medina explained that a total of 69 tons was pitchforked and netted from beaches due to Hurricane Beryl by around 50 volunteers, one backhoe and two dump trucks.
“Thirty nine tons was collected Saturday and another 30 tons Sunday, adding up to a total of 69 tons in two days,” she said.
After the clean, the Municipality of Isla Mujeres posted “our warriors from Zofemat Isla Mujeres do not let their guard down to keep the beaches looking spectacular. Faced with the atypical sargassum washup left behind by Hurricane Beryl, the Zofemat team has been on the job since early in the morning and in two days has removed 69 tons of seaweed.
“Help us keep the beaches of Isla Mujeres beautiful, remember to put your trash in its place!” Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres reported.
It is the second time the island, who usually remains sargassum free, has been left to deal with the soggy algae after the passing of a storm.
In June, islanders collected over 580 tons of sargassum from the same beach areas after the passing of Tropcial Storm Alberto.
