Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo.
The beaches of Mexico, natural treasures cherished by millions of visitors, are facing a growing threat: sargassum. This macroalgae, which accumulates annually along the shores of the Mexican Caribbean, could reach levels in 2025 not seen since the critical crisis of 2015. This warning, issued by Brigitta Ine Van Tussenbroek, head researcher at the Academic Unit of Reef Systems in Puerto Morelos, highlights the ecological challenges ahead.
“Since 2011, massive sargassum arrivals have eroded our beaches and destroyed essential ecosystems. If nothing is done, 2025 could surpass the critical levels of 2015,” she warns.
Beaches in Peril
In iconic sites such as Puerto Morelos and the Nizuc lookout, beaches have already lost between 10 and 20 meters of sand. The culprit? Sargassum. When deposited on the coast, the algae act like a retaining wall, amplifying wave impact and accelerating erosion.
But that’s not all. As sargassum decomposes, it suffocates seagrass meadows. These meadows, essential for stabilizing beaches, facilitate the natural return of sand. Their disappearance leads to irreversible coastal loss.
Irreversible Ecological Impact
Coral reefs, already weakened by climate change and human activity, are also under assault from sargassum. Since 2015, up to 70% of the Mexican Caribbean’s coral reefs have been damaged. These reefs, natural wave breakers, dissipate wave energy. Their decline leaves coasts vulnerable, exposing beaches to storms and hurricanes with increasing intensity.
“The loss of coral reefs and seagrass meadows is devastating. These ecosystems play a key role in protecting our beaches and support exceptional biodiversity,” explains Van Tussenbroek.
Insufficient Efforts in 2024
This year, thanks to the El Niño phenomenon, sargassum arrivals were limited. However, satellite observations reveal large accumulations in the Atlantic, poised to enter the Caribbean. In 2024, 125 million pesos were invested in Quintana Roo to collect 37,000 tons of algae, mobilizing 300 naval personnel, specialized vessels, and containment barriers.
Despite these efforts, specialists are calling for a more proactive and sustainable approach.
An Uncertain Future
The challenge is immense. If the La Niña phenomenon emerges in 2025, experts predict a massive sargassum influx. This would not only cause ecological damage but also have economic consequences for a region dependent on beach tourism.
“We must monitor, measure, and act wisely. If we don’t restore seagrass meadows or better manage sargassum, our beaches could disappear,” insists Van Tussenbroek.
In the face of urgency, researchers and authorities are calling for collective action. Protecting Mexico’s beaches and marine ecosystems is no longer an option but a necessity to preserve a unique natural heritage.
The Importance of Citizen Participation Is Undeniable
Since 2018, Sargassum Monitoring® has been encouraging meaningful vacations. Tourists and residents of affected areas:
- Regularly share your beach photos with sargassum with us.
- Report on the management of sargassum on your beach.
- Join Sargassum Monitoring®, the leading nonprofit organization in Sargassum Citizen Science!
SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO OUR SOCIAL MEDIA !
You are citizen science—your contributions truly advance science and technology. To effectively protect our environment, we are doing everything possible to encourage greater engagement. A new tool will soon be available to make your efforts even easier.
Thank you in advance,
The Sargassum Monitoring® team: dedicated volunteer experts at your service.