Cancún, Mexico – Popular tourist beaches in Cancún are currently experiencing a significant influx of sargassum seaweed, impacting the shoreline and requiring increased cleanup efforts. The surge in the macroalgae over the past two weeks is attributed to the effects of south winds, according to Antonio Chambé, Director of Municipal Public Services.
Unusually High Accumulation
Speaking in a recent interview, Director Chambé revealed that between 60 and 80 cubic meters of sargassum have been collected from Cancun’s beaches in the last two weeks alone. He emphasized that this amount is unusually high for this time of year in the popular vacation destination. Typically, sargassum washup is minimal, and last year saw no presence of the seaweed in this period, with only 60 meters collected throughout the entire month of February.
Multiple Beaches Affected
While the popular hotel zone Delfines beach has been particularly affected, the sargassum washup is not isolated to a single location. Chambé noted that other well-known beaches, including Chac Mool, Las Perlas, and Playa del Niño, have also experienced an increase in the seaweed. In response, municipal crews have been actively working to clear the accumulated sargassum from these shores.
Monitoring and Coordinated Cleanup
To manage the situation effectively, the Directorate of Municipal Public Services has implemented a monitoring system. “What we’re doing is that every morning, a motorcycle goes out to patrol the beaches to monitor which ones had the most sargassum and carry out the work there,” explained Chambé. This allows for a targeted approach, focusing resources on the areas most heavily impacted.
The removal process is also carefully coordinated with the natural rhythm of the tides. Chambé stated that cleanup efforts prioritize high tide periods. This strategy facilitates the collection of the sargassum along the beach’s edge, making the removal process more efficient for the cleanup crews.
Early End to Cold Fronts Blamed
Director Chambé shed light on the potential reasons behind the increased sargassum this year. He explained that the sargassum season is heavily influenced by the arrival of cold fronts. These weather systems typically disrupt the conditions that favor the growth and movement of the seaweed. However, Chambé noted that cold fronts ceased arriving earlier this year than usual. This shift in weather patterns has likely contributed to the current significant arrival of the marine macroalgae on Cancun’s shores.
While the increased sargassum presents a challenge for the tourism-dependent region, the proactive measures being taken by the municipal authorities, including daily monitoring and tide-coordinated cleanup efforts, aim to mitigate the impact on beachgoers and maintain the appeal of Cancun’s renowned coastline. The situation will continue to be monitored as the season progresses and weather patterns evolve.
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