The amount of algae on the beaches of resorts on the Caribbean coast of Mexico has noticeably decreased over the past week. On most beaches, algae is still present, but it is not much, it is quickly removed and does not cause complaints from tourists. The water gradually returns to its usual azure color.
Prevailing winds and sea currents have changed direction and are now driving sargassum seaweed away from the coast. Although satellite images show that there is still a huge volume of algae in the ocean, it is now moving through the Yucatan Strait towards the Gulf of Mexico and US Florida, bypassing the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is predicted that there will be no new massive arrivals of algae on Mexican beaches for at least the next two weeks. In August, the amount of algae in the ocean may begin to decline seasonally, and by September there will be significantly less of it.
However, these forecasts are based on current weather dynamics, and if climate conditions change, the situation may change again. Whatever the circumstances, scientists predict that the amount of algae on Mexican beaches this year will be record high.
Larger quantities of algae will continue to flow to the south of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, to Xcalan, Mahahual, less — to Tulum and Playa del Carmen to Puerto Morelos, and here the active actions of public utilities and hotel workers will determine how clean the local beaches will be.
Currently, of the 80 beaches throughout the Caribbean that are continuously monitored, 45 have high to moderate levels of algae, 9 beaches have low levels of algae, and 18 beaches are completely free of algae. Eight beaches remain heavily polluted, mainly in the south of Quintana Roo.
VIDEO | Así viven turistas las vacaciones de verano en Playa Gaviota Azul de la Zona Hotelera de Cancún. Presencia moderada de sargazo en la orilla de la playa, aunque dese el aire se aprecia una mancha marrón en aguas someras. Caluroso excelente clima para un día de playa.pic.twitter.com/4myhkxLCzb
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The main work to combat algae comes down to manual removal of algae that has already arrived on the shore. Teams of workers have been collecting and transporting algae since early morning. At sea, ships of the Mexican Navy collect algae and then unload it into the ocean away from the coast. Anti-algae barriers have been installed along key sections of the coast, which in addition need to be periodically cleaned with the support of special boats.
In just the last three years, more than 130 thousand tons of sargassum algae were collected from the beaches of the Caribbean coast of Mexico: in 2019 — 85 thousand tons, last year — almost 20 thousand tons, and from March to mid-July this year — 26 thousand tons. The statistics are not entirely correct, since hotels do not always report the amount of algae collected, preferring to export it to the «wild» landfills. There are still not enough organized landfills for the disposal and burial of algae, and logistics to them are often difficult.
Let us remind you that the problem of the seasonal appearance of algae on the beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya will become acute in 2015. In 2018-2019, algae became a real natural disaster, threatening regional tourism. However, there is currently still no clear strategy for controlling Sargassum algae in Mexico. Each new mass arrival of algae takes authorities and hoteliers by surprise. Apart from this, industrial processing of algae has not been established, and burial sites have not been determined. As a result, the algae is transported and dumped anywhere, rotting and polluting the aquifer.