Mahahual, Q.R. — Royal Caribbean says it intends a significant multi-year commitment to strengthen sargassum protection. The company says the it is a direct response to community priorities regarding coastal health and quality of life.
The increased presence of sargassum is impacting beaches, natural habitats and air quality in Mahahual and surrounding areas, making long-term, coordinated action essential, the company reported in a statement.
Working closely with residents, businesses, environmental specialists and the Mexican Navy, Royal Caribbean has created a community-driven task force to help identify the most effective and sustainable mitigation strategies.
The findings from these discussions are shaping both immediate coastal protection efforts and future opportunities to transform collected sargassum for beneficial uses, such as fertilizer, through circular economy solutions.
“Clean and thriving coastlines are essential for the people of Mahahual,” said Ari Adler, president of Royal Caribbean Mexico.
“The community told us that protecting this coastline is an absolute priority, and we are fulfilling that commitment: deploying new equipment, reinforcing barriers and working hand in hand with local partners and the state of Quintana Roo to keep the beaches clean.”
The Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo, Óscar Rébora said “the protection of coastal ecosystems is a priority for the State Government. We appreciate collaborative efforts that benefit our territory and its population.”
Royal Caribbean’s participation is driving and strengthening a sargassum management program focused on both immediate action and long-term impact, benefiting the Costa Maya port, the community of Mahahual, and the southern coast of Quintana Roo.
Initial measures include the addition of new mooring points in collaboration with the Mexican Navy to reinforce the netting systems that help prevent sargassum from reaching the shore.
Royal Caribbean is also installing seaweed collection equipment designed to efficiently remove floating sargassum before it accumulates on the beaches.
In addition to these measures, the holiday company also commits to carrying out continuous cleaning of the community’s beaches to ensure that the coasts can continue to thrive.
The sargassum management program will ultimately feature a long-term solution that automates the collection process with a state-of-the-art, low-noise, and low-impact system capable of collecting the seaweed from the water without collecting sand and other debris. This will facilitate sargassum composting and other circular economy uses.
This program aligns with Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future initiative, which aims to deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly, sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation.
Royal Caribbean’s commitment to supporting projects that promote and champion environmental preservation, economic development, and sustainability plays a vital role in ensuring that coastal destinations are resilient, welcoming, and vibrant for future generations.
