Sargassum is a floating macroalgae with a golden brown color, which is part of the marine flora of the Atlantic Ocean.
Far from being a waste, this algae serves as shelter and food for various marine species.
However, since 2013, its accumulation in the Caribbean Sea has increased due to:
- Climate change, which raises water temperatures.
- Ocean currents, which carry the algae to the Mexican coasts.
- Excessive use of agricultural fertilizers, which accelerate its growth.
Main sources of sargassum
It comes from two specific areas:
- The Sargasso Sea.
- The Great Sargasso Belt of the Tropical Atlantic, which extends from West Africa to the Caribbean.
Ocean currents, combined with wind and tide, carry the sargassum to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other Mexican beaches.
Most affected beaches in Mexico
The areas with the highest accumulation include:
- Cancun.
- Playa del Carmen.
- Tulum.
- Mahahual.
- Puerto Morelos.
- Isla Mujeres.
- Cozumel.
It has been reported that Tulum and Playa del Carmen suffer the greatest impacts, accumulating up to 2 tons of sargassum per day per kilometer in some seasons.
Although the phenomenon mainly affects the Mexican Caribbean, it has also been detected in areas of the Gulf of Mexico, such as Yucatan and Veracruz.
When is sargassum season?
Experts indicate that the sargassum season occurs from March to October, although climatic conditions can advance or delay its arrival.
The months with the highest presence of sargassum are May, June, and July, due to:
- Increase in ocean temperatures, which accelerates algae growth.
- Stronger currents, which facilitate its drift to the coasts.
To avoid large accumulations of sargassum, the best months to travel are: November to February, when its presence is lower.
Why is there more sargassum each year?
Although sargassum has always existed, its increase has been concerning since 2013.
The main reasons include:
- Climate change, which creates ideal conditions for its proliferation.
- Increased strength in ocean currents, which accumulate it on the coasts.
- Human activity, as sargassum absorbs nutrients from wastewater and agricultural fertilizers, enhancing its growth.
Scientists warn that this phenomenon will not disappear soon, but will continue to be recurring every year, requiring effective solutions.
Strategies for control
Beyond its aesthetic impact, sargassum represents an environmental and health problem, as its decomposition releases gases with a foul odor that can cause:
- Respiratory discomfort.
- Eye irritation.
To mitigate its effects, new strategies are being implemented, such as:
- Transforming it into biofuel.
- Converting it into organic fertilizer.
These solutions aim to turn this environmental challenge into a sustainable opportunity, protecting tourist destinations and the coastal ecosystem.
