Mahahual, Q.R. — A mass sargassum cleanup was organized off the coast of Mahahual after strong winds pushed large amounts toward the beach. The beach clean up involved more than 250 people who removed approximately 100 tons of accumulated sargassum.
The Secretariat of Ecology and Environment, headed by Óscar Rébora Aguilera, led the Tuesday cleanup in the coastal area of Mahahual in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco.
The mass clean was in coordination with the Secretariat of the Navy, the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone, the Environmental Protection Agency, civil associations, students from the Colegio de Bachilleres and hotel personnel.
By the time the beach was cleared, 100 tons of sargassum had been collected and removed manually. The sargassum made landfall since the anti-seaweed barriers have not yet been fully installed.
Óscar Rébora explained that the installation of anti-sargassum barriers began on March 5th off the coast of Mahahual and to date, has reached more than 40 percent completion. A total of 2,280 meters will be installed, which will help contain the arrival of the macroalgae on the beaches, he said.
He also noted that the State Government is promoting the creation of the Comprehensive Sargassum Sanitation and Circular Economy Center, which will allow the algae to be monitored, managed, collected and transported efficiently, as well as leveraged as an economic resource.
Global ocean pollution, climate change and changes in ocean currents are increasing the presence of sargassum on the coasts, affecting tourism and the local economy. It also harms marine wildlife and produces toxic gases when it decomposes, he added.
He says locals need to actively join the cleanup brigades and strengthen recycling efforts to mitigate pollution and protect the ecosystem.
