Tulum’s Sargassum Battle Takes to the High Seas

TULUM, Mexico – In a significant move to combat the relentless influx of sargassum seaweed plaguing the beautiful shores of Tulum, Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo spearheaded the unveiling of the “Comprehensive Offshore and Coastal Sargassum Containment Plan,” aptly named “Tulum Against Sargassum.” The initiative saw the Mayor ceremoniously hand over five vehicles and essential tools to the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT) administration of Tulum. This strategic effort aims to keep the beaches pristine and environmentally sustainable, ensuring Tulum’s continued status as a premier tourist destination.

Mayor Castañón underscored that Tulum has assumed the role of a pioneering municipality by harnessing cutting-edge technology to tackle the sargassum issue at sea, all thanks to the collaborative efforts with Governor Mara Lezama. The comprehensive plan, generously funded with 7,259,995 pesos from the Environmental Sanitation Rights Fund, encompasses the “Doctor González Cano” project. This ambitious endeavor strives to divert a substantial 33% of the sargassum, safeguarding the pristine quality of Tulum’s iconic Platinum Beach at four key tourist locations.

In addition to the vehicle handovers, the event witnessed the presentation of coveted Platinum Beach certifications to four spectacular Tulum beaches: Santa Fe, Playa Aventuras, Playa Maya, and Playa Pescadores. The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including council members, the municipal treasurer, the director of revenue, and the ZOFEMAT State director, among other prominent officials.