Mexican Navy Steps Up Sargassum Seaweed Collection Efforts in Key Tourist Areas

Image: Sargassum seaweed in Mexico. (Photo Credit: mbruxelle / Adobe Stock)
Image: Sargassum seaweed in Mexico. (Photo Credit: mbruxelle / Adobe Stock)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Mon June 9, 2025

The Mexican Ministry of the Navy announced plans to increase efforts to control the influx of Sargassum seaweed heading toward popular beach destinations.

According to the Riviera Maya News, the Sargassum Response Strategy Coordinator said additional collection efforts will be organized by state and municipal governments and volunteers as the region continues dealing with the massive arrival of Sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean.

To collect the stinky seaweed, the Mexican Navy has deployed 13 vessels, including sargassum harvesting ships, smaller boats, and containment barriers. The plan is to collect Sargassum away from the beach to allow tourists a better experience.

“As relevant results during 2025, Operation Sargassum has shown positive cumulative results in the containment, collection and final disposal of sargassum, significantly reducing its impact in key coastal areas,” a spokesperson for the Mexican Navy told the Riviera Maya News.

The seaweed barriers are being installed at the most popular beach destinations, with 2,310 meters installed in Puerto Morelos, 2,580 meters in Playa del Carmen, 390 meters in Tulum, and 2,265 meters in Mahahual.

In total, officials believe they have collected around 77 tons of Sargassum this season so far.

To offer further assistance in key regions, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama revealed on Saturday that the local government would implement a new strategy focused on the early collection of Sargassum from the sea.

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