Tulum, Q.R. — Environmental officials of Tulum say in April they had to deal with nearly 25 percent more sargassum than last year. Juan Antonio Garza, the Director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat), says Tulum has seen an increase of between 20 and 25 percent more seaweed on its shores than April of 2024.
He says the increase has meant a collection of around 300 tons of sargassum. “In April we saw a 20 to 25 percent increase in sargassum arrivals compared to 2024. We closed the month with about 300 tons collected.”
According to Garza, the extra seaweed is creating a significant operational challenges for brigades. “We have comprehensive actions being carried out by all levels of government to contain the seaweed and keep our beaches clean,” he said.
He says the number of crews out clearing Tulum beaches of the washed up seaweed varies on the season and the amount of sargassum, however, in April, there were nearly two dozen Zofemat (Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre) personnel distributed along the hardest hit areas. Sargassum removal efforts also includes dozens of Marina personnel and local volunteers.
Last month, the municipal government of Tulum provided Zofemat personnel with additional tools to help in the seaweed battle. Part of those additional tools included a large beach sweeper and several 4x4s used to haul the beach-piled sargassum off the sand and to waiting trucks for disposal.
In early January, sargassum forecasters predicted a heavier than normal year for the seaweed due to increased water temperatures.
