This week, a massive amount of seaweed – approximately 135 tonnes – is expected to wash up on the calm waters of the Mexican Caribbean. The arrival of the seaweed was originally scheduled between April 6 and 11. However, due to the temperatures in the area dropping and the beaches being cleaned the arrival has been pushed back until this week.
Sargassum will affect popular beaches such as Tulum, Xcacel and Playa del Carmen, with the majority of sargassum being expected to arrive after Monday, April 15th. As a result, the Gulf and Caribbean Oceanography Institute of the Secretary of Navy has elevated matters to a Category Two alert for sargassum.
The season for Sargassum in Mexico starts in April and lasts until August. However, visitors should still be cautious. Despite the Navy’s efforts to collect the algae at sea, and the installation of 8,650 meters in protective barriers that prevent mass beaching, sargassum still will land on the beaches.
Tourism sector on alert for best cleaning beaches that protects both locals and visitors. The region is combining community and governmental efforts to clean beaches.
The good news is that beach sargassum levels are much lower than they were in 2023. This is primarily because the low ocean temperatures have prevented the algae from multiplying uncontrollably.
By mid-March 2018, 800 tons less sargassum had been collected than in the same period of 2023. This means that beaches in the Mexican Caribbean are cleaner now than in previous years.
For those who are unfamiliar with sargassum, the hydrogen-sulfide produced when it decomposes makes it smell like rotten egg. It can also cause skin irritation and a rash.
Brown seaweed, which is a naturally occurring seaweed, contains structures that are filled with gas. This keeps the seaweed buoyant. Sargassum is washed to shore by strong winds and currents.
