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Sargassum: 345-meter barrier installed at Playa del Niño; 12 km studied from Punta Nizuc to Punta Cancún

Federal, state and city authorities report 154,000 tons collected in Quintana Roo and aim to double collection capacity.

By Miguel Díaz Miró · Responsible editor ·
Sargassum barriers off a Cancún beach

Federal, state and municipal authorities installed a 345-meter sargassum barrier at Playa del Niño, in Benito Juárez, and began studies to place 12 kilometers of barriers between Punta Nizuc and Punta Cancún, the Benito Juárez city government said after an October 20 meeting of the Sargassum Management Cabinet.

Attendees included Mayor Ana Paty Peralta; Admiral Topiltzin Tlacaletl Flores Jaramillo, strategy coordinator for the Mexican Navy; and state Ecology and Environment Secretary (SEMA) Óscar Rébora Aguilera.

Reported figures

According to official information:

  • The federal government allocated 2.6 billion pesos to the sargassum strategy.
  • 154,000 tons of seaweed have been collected in Quintana Roo, including 25,710 tons removed at sea.
  • A vessel was adapted with a 700-ton collection capacity, at a cost of 40 million pesos.
  • Barriers were extended by an additional 15 kilometers, and dynamic barriers were designed to capture sargassum offshore.
  • The goal is to double collection capacity.

Authorities also said they are working with the private sector on a port project to process and reuse sargassum.

What it means for Cancún

The stretch from Punta Nizuc to Punta Cancún is the Caribbean-facing coast of the Hotel Zone, the area most exposed to sargassum landings. If studies are favorable, barriers there would aim to hold the seaweed at sea before it piles up and rots on the sand.

Beach tips

  • Check the sargassum traffic-light advisory issued by state authorities before choosing a beach.
  • Avoid swimming where seaweed has heavily accumulated, and don't walk on decomposing sargassum.
  • If you are sensitive to strong odors or have respiratory issues, keep your distance from piled-up seaweed, which releases hydrogen sulfide as it rots.
  • Don't interfere with cleanup crews or remove seaweed with machinery on your own.

To report buildup on public beaches, use the Benito Juárez city government's official channels.

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