Cancun Sargassum Update: Barriers, Cleanup Efforts and Beach Conditions

Sargassum Control Strategy in Cancun

As part of the state’s strategy to control sargassum along the coast of Quintana Roo, environmental and naval authorities are preparing to install at least 400 meters of sargassum barriers on Cancun beaches, following technical studies that confirmed their feasibility.

This initiative is part of a broader plan designed to protect some of the most visited beaches in the Mexican Caribbean and improve the experience for both tourists and local residents.

How sargassum barriers in Cancun will work

According to state environmental authorities, studies conducted in collaboration with the Mexican Navy and academic institutions confirmed that installing sargassum barriers in Cancun is a viable solution.

While the exact beach location for the first 400-meter barrier system is yet to be finalized, the goal is to intercept the seaweed before it reaches the shoreline and affects the appearance of Cancun’s beaches.

More barriers across Quintana Roo

To strengthen this strategy, authorities have acquired 7,500 additional meters of barriers. With this expansion, the state aims to reach nearly 15,000 meters of installed barriers along its coastline.

This increase also helps offset natural wear and tear, as approximately 3,000 meters of barriers are lost each year due to ocean conditions and continuous use.

New sargassum vessel: higher capacity offshore

In addition to barriers, offshore containment efforts will be reinforced with a new 85-meter-long sargassum collection vessel.

This new ship significantly surpasses the capacity of the existing vessel “Natans,” which measures 45 meters and can handle about 250 tons. The new vessel is expected to collect up to 600 tons of sargassum, allowing for more efficient removal in open waters.

Beaches with lower sargassum presence

Despite early arrivals this year, authorities report a positive balance across many areas of the Mexican Caribbean. Monitoring data shows more than 41 beaches classified as “green” or “blue”, meaning little to no visible sargassum.

Where sargassum impacts the most

Ocean currents typically bring sargassum through two main routes:

• Between Mahahual and Xcalak
• Between Cozumel and Tulum

Because of these patterns, destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos are usually more affected, although Cancun can also experience seaweed arrivals depending on weather conditions.

Additional personnel to support cleanup

To strengthen operations, around 150 additional Navy personnel are expected to join cleanup and containment efforts.

How much sargassum has been collected?

So far, authorities have collected approximately 30,000 tons of sargassum across Quintana Roo.