Cancun, Mexico –Quintana Roo’s beaches are facing a significant influx of sargassum, marking the first major wave of the season. According to Esteban Amaro, president of the Sargassum Monitoring Network, this surge is primarily due to a “surada” event, characterized by strong, dry winds from the south and southeast. Sargassum is a type of free-floating brown seaweed that forms large mats on the ocean’s surface.
The impact is extensive, with over 450 kilometers of coastline affected. From Punta Nizuc in Cancun down to Xcalak in the southern region, and including the east coast of Cozumel Island, beaches are experiencing medium to high levels of sargassum accumulation.
This assessment is backed by satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sentinel 2A and 2B satellites, processed by the Caribbean Sea Environmental and Climate Change Monitoring Network based in Cancun. Amaro explained that the phenomenon stems from a substantial buildup of holopelagic sargassum biomass within the first 20 kilometers offshore, a process that has been ongoing for the past two weeks. Additionally, strong southeast winds, reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 70 kilometers per hour, have pushed the seaweed ashore.
The situation is expected to worsen over the weekend. Amaro predicts significant sargassum arrivals through Monday, particularly along the southern coast, with Mahahual and Xcalak in Othón P. Blanco identified as major arrival points.
Northern areas are also experiencing heavy influxes, including the east coast of Cozumel, the Tulum National Park area, the southern part of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Petempich Bay, and Punta Nizuc. The beaches of Cancun’s municipality, including the hotel zone, will see lower to medium levels of sargassum. The continental and insular areas of Isla Mujeres and Lázaro Cárdenas will experience low-intensity arrivals.
Impact and Concerns:
The sargassum invasion poses serious challenges to both the coastal ecosystems and the tourism industry:
- Aesthetic Degradation: The accumulated seaweed mars the beauty of the beaches, deterring tourists.
- Unpleasant Odors: As the sargassum decomposes, it emits foul smells, further diminishing the tourist experience.
- Environmental Harm: The seaweed depletes oxygen levels in the water, disrupting marine habitats and endangering marine life.
- Economic Impact: The tourism sector, a crucial part of Mexico’s economy, faces potential losses due to decreased visitor numbers.
Mitigation Efforts:
Authorities and organizations in Quintana Roo are actively working to address the sargassum problem:
- Monitoring: Satellite imagery and on-site observations are used to track sargassum movements.
- Beach Cleanup: Programs are in place to remove sargassum from affected beaches.
- Barriers: Sea barriers are being deployed to divert sargassum before it reaches the shore.
- Research: Efforts are underway to explore potential uses for sargassum, such as fertilizer or biofuel.
The situation is being closely monitored, and ongoing efforts are aimed at minimizing the impact of this sargassum influx.
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