Riviera Maya, Q.R. — More than 44,000 tons of sargassum has been collected in Quintana Roo so far this season. The Secretariat of the Marina says it continues to implement comprehensive efforts to address arriving sargassum along the coast. According to the Marina, the strategy’s triple helix model contemplates joint efforts by different levels of government.
For its implementation, the operation has been divided into three strategic zones that include the Northern Zone of Isla Mujeres, Cancun and Puerto Morelos, the Central Zone which includes Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum and then the Southern Zone from Mahahual to Xcalak.
Naval personnel, specialized machinery and various resources have been deployed along Quintana Roo’s nearly 1,000 km of coastline. Sargassum is being contained using one Ocean Sargassum Vessel (the main maritime collection vessel, whose work has reached up to 90 tons extracted in a single day).
The Marina says 11 coastal sargassum vessels along with 22 smaller support vessels and equipment are also used daily. These methods have been implemented in conjunction with the 8,850 meters of containment barriers placed along the coast.
Approximately 400 naval elements distributed throughout the state also help in the at-sea and land removal of seaweed.
“One of the key phases of the strategy is coastal containment, which is implemented by installing barriers on beaches with a high incidence of grounding. These structures, taking advantage of currents, waves and wind direction, allow the sargassum to be redirected to specific points for extraction using manual or mechanical equipment,” the Marina explained.
Regarding extraction during the 2025 season, a constant effort has been made by sea and land to prevent the massive washup of sargassum on beaches. These actions have resulted in an average collection of 4,147 tons at sea and 4,026 tons on land, representing a total of more than 8,170 tons collected by the Secretariat.
Overall, under the joint scheme, as of July 13, more than 44,000 tons has been collected, demonstrating the positive interaction between all parties responsible for the removal of the seaweed.
With these actions, the Secretariat of the Navy-Mexican Navy reaffirms its commitment to protecting the marine environment and preserving the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, in close coordination with all levels of government.
Through Operation Sargassum 2025, we continue to work firmly and decisively to mitigate the effects of this natural phenomenon, benefiting the population, tourism, and the national coastal ecosystem.
