Mexico is currently engaged in an intensive, large-scale operation to combat a massive influx of sargassum seaweed that is impacting its primary tourism destinations along the Riviera Maya and Tulum. This environmental crisis has left many beaches covered in thick, foul-smelling mats of algae, creating significant challenges for the local tourism sector and the ecosystem.
In the first half of 2026, authorities, led by the Mexican Navy, have already collected approximately 100,000 tons of sargassum—surpassing the 92,782 tons recorded throughout the entirety of 2025. The Navy is currently utilizing a specialized fleet of 27 vessels, including large collection ships, smaller boats, and amphibious craft, to contain the seaweed at sea and prevent it from reaching the coastline. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of the “intense season” has overwhelmed traditional cleanup methods.
The economic repercussions are visible at local levels. Hotel occupancy rates this summer range between 55% and 70%, significantly lower than the 90% peaks seen in previous years. Employees in the hospitality and service sectors report a notable decline in visitors, who are often deterred by the unpleasant odor and the presence of the seaweed on the shore.
While federal authorities maintain that overall international tourism to Mexico remains strong, they acknowledge the severity of the situation. The government has recently launched an ambitious strategy in collaboration with hotel owners to mitigate the invasion, explore potential uses for the algae such as biofuels, and protect the competitiveness of one of the country’s most vital economic regions.
Source: https://www.eleconomista.com
