Off the coast of Mexico’s Caribbean shoreline, the Mexican Navy is intensifying efforts to combat the massive influx of sargassum seaweed that has burdened the region’s tourism industry. Earlier this year, Commander Álvaro Villanueva and his crew aboard the repurposed vessel Natans removed more than 400 tons of sargassum in a single operation, marking one of their most successful days in what has become an annual battle against the rapidly growing algal bloom.
Sargassum, a naturally occurring macroalgae, has long played a role in marine ecosystems but has surged dramatically in recent years due to a combination of climate change factors, including rising ocean temperatures, increased sunlight, and nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff. Since 2011, the seaweed has expanded exponentially across the Atlantic, forming the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil and along Africa's west coast. Satellite data from the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab reports nearly 23 million tons of sargassum in the western Caribbean Sea this year—the largest volume recorded to date.
The Mayan Riviera, encompassing the popular tourist destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, has been particularly affected. Large mats of seaweed, sometimes covering areas as vast as soccer fields, have been pushed ashore by prevailing currents, tarnishing the region’s iconic turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The influx has disrupted local businesses, reducing tourism traffic and occupancy rates. Official data indicate a roughly 6 percent decline in airport arrivals and a nearly 4 percent drop in hotel occupancy in Quintana Roo state during the first seven months of 2023 compared with previous periods.
Locals and tourism workers have voiced concerns about the environmental and economic impacts. In Puerto Morelos, a small town south of Cancún, residents reported a change in water color and a significant reduction in snorkeling activity. The decomposing seaweed emits unpleasant odors and releases gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which can pose health risks with prolonged exposure.
In response, the Mexican government has committed $115 million to enhance the Navy’s sargassum collection program. By the end of the year, a new vessel with greater capacity than the Natans is expected to join the fleet, complemented by plans for two additional ships by 2027 and a bolstered force of smaller boats to operate closer to shore. To date, Navy crews have removed nearly 25,000 tons of sargassum at sea through September—more than double last year’s collection during the same period—but this still represents less than one-third of what washes ashore.
Regional neighbors are also grappling with similar challenges. Barbados’ Minister of Environment, Santia Bradshaw, highlighted the growing threat during a recent sargassum conference in Cancún, calling for increased cooperation among Caribbean nations. The Dominican Republic has expressed interest in acquiring a Mexican sargassum-collecting vessel, signaling a regional demand for shared solutions.
Beyond removal efforts, the focus is shifting toward sustainable utilization of the harvested seaweed. Conference participants showcased emerging industries transforming sargassum into a variety of products such as construction materials, fertilizers, and personal care items. Supported by funding from the European Union, the World Bank, and other organizations, these initiatives aim to develop a circular economy that offsets collection costs by creating marketable goods.
Industry leaders emphasize the economic potential of such ventures. Steven Keays, CEO of Canadian company Thalasso, described sargassum as “blue gold,” referencing the valuable compounds his company extracts for cosmetic use. As the seaweed problem grows in scale and complexity, Mexico’s integrated approach combining removal, regional collaboration, and innovation in recycling is being monitored closely as a potential model for other affected countries. However, with climate factors fueling continued expansion, the long-term effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.