Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Federal maritime beach cleaning staff have cleared over 50 tons of sargassum from Playa Norte in two days. The mass of seaweed was removed by staff Wednesday and Thursday after it made landfall due to bad weather.
Strong winds from cold front 41 has helped pushed seaweed ashore across the coast. Isla Mujeres City Hall said Wednesday that federal maritime (Zofemat) personnel worked with the Marina to clear 21 tons of sargassum from the beach.
On Thursday, Zofemat staff woke to another mass that made landfall, this time of approximately 30 tons. Over the course of those two days, over 51 tons of sargassum was collected from Playa Norte.
“Due to the passage of cold front number 41, which generated atypical conditions in the Caribbean, the Municipal Government of Isla Mujeres, headed by Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde, immediately activated a cleanup operation in response to the sargassum seaweed influx on North Beach,” City Hall reported.
“As part of this timely response, a Zofemat (Federal Maritime Land Zone) brigade was deployed, joined by the Mexican Navy, working in coordination to remove the seaweed and maintain one of the destination’s main tourist attractions in optimal condition.
“More than 21 tons of sargassum was collected Wednesday alone while an additional 30 tons was removed Thursday, reflecting this administration’s ongoing commitment to responding immediately to any situation affecting the beaches.”
Mayor Ricalde said Isla Mujeres has a clear and effective strategy for dealing with sargassum which allows for quick action to keep the beaches clean, safe and ready for the enjoyment of everyone who visits the world-class tourist destination.
Cold front 41 arrived Tuesday as an Arctic air mass that resulted in heavy rain, a dramatic drop in temperatures and strong winds that helped push the seaweed ashore.
