Tulum, Q.R. — Tulum workers have removed approximately 1,700 tons of sargassum from their coast already this year. Another mass arrival had crews back out this week collecting around 30 tons a day.
Mayor Diego Castañón says “from very early on our teams head out to the beaches of Tulum to face a challenge we take on responsibly: sargassum.” He says beach crews are clearing between 25 and 30 tons a day due to a recent landing.
“It’s not easy. It’s a global phenomenon that affects our paradise but we’re not slowing down our work,” he said.
Castañón said the beaches are cleared by personnel from the Marina, Environmental Network and the Zofemat (Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre) Tulum team. “Every morning starting at 6 a.m. the Zofemat Tulum staff works tirelessly to keep the beaches of this destination clean, collecting between 20 and 30 tons of sargassum daily.
“More than 1,700 tons of sargassum have been removed from Tulum’s beaches so far this year. Every day, our Zofemat team works tirelessly to remove between 20 and 30 tons of seaweed with the support of all levels of government,” he reported.
“This ongoing effort seeks to address the environmental challenge posed by sargassum washup in the Mexican Caribbean. Thanks to the work of these workers and the support of all levels of government, more than 1,700 tons has been removed so far this year. Collaboration and commitment are key to continuing to protect the natural beauty of our beaches,” Castañón said Friday.
Juan Antonio Garza Pérez, the Director de Administración of Zofemat Tulum explained “every morning while many are still asleep, our teams are already on the beaches of Tulum removing sargassum.
“We remove more than 30 tons of sargassum every day with the efforts of Zofemat, the Navy, the Environmental Network and the support of the state. This constant work protects the paradise we all love and keeps our economy strong. We will continue working for Tulum.”
Tulum has been battling the ongoing arrival of sargassum along the coast with other areas also hit such as Mahahual and Xcalak in the far south, to Cancun in the north. Other beaches such as the west side of Cozumel, the island of Holbox and Isla Mujeres remain completely free of sargassum.
Isla Holbox June 9, 2025.
The Navy says they have intensified efforts through the Sargassum Response Strategy Coordinator to combat the massive arrival of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean with additional collection efforts which has resulted in significant progress in controlling and collecting the macroalgae.
