The state of Quintana Roo has been hit by a massive arrival of sargassum on its beaches, with over 450 kilometers of coastline affected.
The macroalgae washed ashore on Saturday, March 15th, affecting popular tourist destinations such as Tulum, Cancún, and Cozumel.
The south of the state was particularly hard-hit, with Mahahual and Xcalak experiencing the largest number of arrivals. Other areas affected include the northern coast of Cozumel, the Tulum National Park area, Playa del Carmen’s south side, Puerto Morelos, Bahía Petempich, and Punta Nizuc.
According to Esteban Amaro, president of the Sargassum Monitoring Network, the phenomenon is caused by intense dry winds that affect the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula. The Mexican Navy (Semar) has begun acting in preparation for the sargassum season on the southern coasts of Quintana Roo.
Semar stated through a statement that as part of their strategy to address sargassum, they have started installing anchors in Mahahual at the beginning of March. The efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the sargassum and ensure public safety.
Residents and tourists are advised to exercise caution when approaching affected areas and follow local authorities’ instructions. The sargassum season is expected to continue in Quintana Roo, with authorities working tirelessly to minimize its effects on the state’s tourism industry.
TYT Newsroom
