The Caribbean coast of Mexico is entering the sargassum season much earlier than usual. The main blow will again fall on the resort area of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, where the first accumulations of algae are already being recorded and active collection is underway for the next «record» year.
According to the Mexican Navy, as of February 10, 2026, approximately 7,460 tons of sargassum seaweed were recorded in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, which exceeds previous years' figures for this time of year. Meanwhile, in the western Central Atlantic, more than 280,000 tons of algae are moving toward the region. This increases concerns among professionals about the scale of algae arrival on Mexican beaches in the coming season.
Traditionally, the mass removal of sargassum to the coast begins in April. However, in 2026, the first significant emissions were recorded already in early January. Scientists attribute the shift to changes in ocean currents in the Atlantic and increased levels of nutrients in deep waters, which accelerate the growth of algae and make the season more intense.
Satellite observations show that the so-called Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt — a giant strip of algae stretching from the coast of West Africa, — is actively shifting towards the Caribbean. According to forecasts, concentrations can reach 75% of historical maximums, which is comparable to or even exceeds the indicators of one of the most difficult seasons in recent years.
Federal and provincial authorities have activated protective measures in key travel destinations, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel.
The naval forces will use 16 units of naval equipment and about 9.5 km of sea barriers. Together with the state government, it is planned to install an additional 6 km of protective lines to intercept seaweed before it reaches the beaches.
Beach cleaning work has already begun on certain sections of the coast. At the beginning of the year, about 1,000 tons of seaweed were collected in a short period of time in the El Recodo area of Playa del Carmen — an unusually high figure for the winter month. By comparison, in all of 2025, more than 92,700 tons of sargassum were collected along the state's coast.
On most beaches, algae emissions remain local for now. In January, increased accumulation was observed only on certain beaches, while most areas remained normal. The current cleanup volume in the Cancun area is about 7 tons per week, which is not technically considered an emergency.
Nevertheless, consultants expect an increase in influx in February with further growth by March-April, that is, just in time for the Holy Week period and the beginning of the high holiday season. Forecasts for the summer months, which, according to oceanographers, can become a peak, are especially not optimistic. Data from the University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Laboratory shows record increases in sargassum seaweed in June and July.
Sargassum accumulations are not only a visual problem. When algae decompose, the oxygen content in the water decreases, creates unpleasant odors, and access to the sea becomes difficult. All this directly affects the guest powers.
The algae situation on beaches is particularly important as Mexico prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cancun is considered as one of the key power hubs hosting fans and guests of the tournament, and the condition of the beaches is directly related to the image of the power during the arrival of fans.
The final scale of the season will become clear by mid-spring. At the same time, 2026 is already seen as potentially one of the most difficult years of observation.