Mexico Expands Efforts to Transform, Manage Sargassum

Mexico is prioritizing the sustainable use of sargassum and the restoration of coastal ecosystems as the Caribbean faces continued accumulation of the macroalgae, affecting tourism destinations in Quintana Roo. Through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the federal government is promoting circular-economy projects that can transform sargassum into bioinputs and water-treatment systems while strengthening coordination on coastal management.

Marina Robles, Deputy Minister of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, SEMARNAT,  visited the Center for Water and Algae Technologies and Sciences at the Yucatan Scientific and Technological Park and the Marine Strategic Implementations Plant. The facilities can process up to 20,000t of sargassum and other organic materials into bioinputs and water-treatment systems under a circular-economy model.

Robles proposed agreements involving SEMARNAT, the Ministry of the Navy and local communities to develop strategies for addressing sargassum, including greater participation from the fishing sector. “We have not involved the fishing sector enough to develop sargassum harvesting strategies and ensure the quality of sargassum they need for production. We also agreed to hold a meeting with the Association of Avocado Growers, which could be a buyer of this type of product due to its export-oriented nature,” Robles said. She also proposed developing financing mechanisms to support projects focused on sargassum processing, including potential preferential financing from public or private banks.

The potential for new sargassum-based value chains comes as the macroalgae continues to affect Mexico’s Caribbean tourism industry. A total of 83,137 t of sargassum have been collected along the Mexican Caribbean coast so far this year. Playa del Carmen accounted for 30,021 t, followed by Cancún with 20,469 t.

Although authorities maintain permanent beach-cleaning operations and impacts vary among destinations, sargassum can discolor seawater and generate odors as it decomposes. Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox have recorded lower levels of the macroalgae. The situation has coincided with hotel occupancy below expectations during the summer vacation period. According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Information System (SITUR), average hotel occupancy in the state’s main destinations reached 59.6% from July 4 to 10. 

Beyond sargassum management, SEMARNAT is prioritizing coastal restoration. Robles supervised the Integrated Beach Management Program along the Progreso-Telchac northern coast. “The instruction from Secretary Alicia Bárcena is to prioritize the restoration of beaches and coastal areas,” she said.