Semar Collects 28,000 Tons of Sargassum as Playa del Carmen Enters Red Alert Status

The Secretaría de Marina (Semar) has deployed reinforced sargassum collection operations across six municipalities in the Mexican Caribbean, collecting 28,000 tons of the macroalgae through April as Playa del Carmen enters red alert status for intensified seasonal arrival.

The Navy has positioned 191 personnel across key coastal zones, with 110 elements stationed in Playa del Carmen, 63 in Mahahual, and 18 in Tulum. The deployment includes three Emergency Beach Collection Groups and specialized sargassum vessels operating in affected waters.

Navy Installs Barrier Systems Across Tourism Corridor

Semar has installed 7,530 meters of containment barriers and anchoring systems across Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mahahual to reduce coastal impact before the algae reaches shorelines.

Naval vessels ARM Sinícola, ARM Vulgare, and ARM Natans have collected more than 310 tons at sea, while beach operations have removed an additional 100 tons from coastal areas across multiple Quintana Roo locations.

"Addressing sargassum arrival protects the environment, economy, security, and tourism in the Mexican Caribbean," Semar stated in its operational report.

Playa del Carmen Registers Intense Arrival in Recent Days

Playa del Carmen has registered intense sargassum arrival in recent days, prompting authorities to designate the destination as red alert status. The elevated classification reflects the volume and frequency of algae reaching the tourism corridor.

The Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Center has confirmed a forecast of 30% increase in sargassum arrival compared to 2025, projecting the state could reach 130,000 tons this season against the 96,000 tons reported last year.

Forecast Projects 130,000 Tons for 2026 Season

Esteban Amaro, director of the Monitoring Center, explained that the probability of greater accumulation remains high for Quintana Roo's coast, particularly in the central and southern zones of the state.

Satellite imagery reveals active presence of the Great Sargassum Belt in the Atlantic Ocean. The mass currently extends from the west African continent and advances toward the Lesser Antilles archipelago, with a direct course toward the Caribbean.

Ocean currents are now impacting the main tourism centers along the Riviera Maya. The satellite data confirms the seasonal pattern as the algae mass moves westward across the Atlantic.

Continental Barrier Proposal Delayed Pending Engineering Studies

Amaro noted that the proposed continental barrier system for the Cozumel zone will not be deployed this year. While the barrier concept remains a viable long-term solution, additional engineering studies are required to determine appropriate anchoring systems capable of withstanding the tonnage of organic material the barriers would need to capture.

The Navy's operations form part of a permanent national strategy focused on protecting the marine environment and maintaining optimal conditions in one of Mexico's primary tourism destinations. Collection efforts continue from early morning hours to prevent accumulation along the coastal fringe.

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