Sargassum Seaweed: The Riviera Maya Invasion
The Riviera Maya is a beautiful stretch of coastline on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. However, in recent years, the region has been facing a new challenge: the invasion of Sargassum seaweed.
About Sargassum Seaweed
Sargassum is a type of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats abundantly in the ocean and forms large raft-like mats on the surface of the water. It is native to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, but in recent years, it has been spreading to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant is made up of leafy appendages, branches, and round berry-like gas-filled structures. These structures, known as pneumatocysts, add buoyance to the seaweed. Sometimes floating for miles across the ocean, Sargassum creates food, refuge, and breeding grounds for fish, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, shrimp, and more. When Sargassum loses its buoyancy, it sinks to the sea floor, providing energy in the form of carbon to fishes and invertebrates.
Although beneficial to the ocean ecosystem, seaweed can have a significant impact on the tourism industry, as it can make beaches unsightly and unpleasant for swimming. In addition, when the seaweed decomposes, it can release hydrogen sulphide gas, which has a foul odour and can cause respiratory problems.
So, why is Sargassum becoming a problem in the Riviera Maya?
The arrival of Sargassum in the Riviera Maya began in 2014, and since then, it has become a persistent problem for the region.
There are several factors at play:
The increase in nutrient runoff from agricultural and urban areas can promote the growth of Sargassum
Climate change is causing changes in ocean currents and temperature, which can also encourage the growth of seaweed.
Mitigation Efforts
Despite the challenges posed by Sargassum, there are efforts underway to mitigate its impact on the region.
Manual Removal
One approach is to remove the seaweed from the beaches manually. This can be a time-consuming, labour-intensive and expensive process, but it can help to keep the beaches clean and attractive for tourists. In 2019, the Sargassum clean-up cost the city of Cancún, Mexico 36.7 million dollars!
The seaweed is often removed by hand, with the aid of heavy equipment (pumps, macerators, conveyors, and earth moving equipment), and through exclusion booming (booms or barriers are moored in selected locations to keep the Sargassum off the beach where it will move with the wind and current either back to sea or down the coast).
Movement Tracking
Another approach is to use technology to track the movement of Sargassum and predict where it is likely to accumulate. This can help authorities to take preventive measures, such as deploying barriers or using boats to collect the seaweed before it reaches the shore.
Alternate Uses
Finally, there are efforts underway to find new uses for Sargassum. The seaweed is rich in nutrients and can be used as a fertilizer or in animal feed. There is also research being done on its potential use as a biofuel or in the production of biodegradable plastics. One day it even may be used to make syrup, bricks, and possibly jet fuel!
The invasion of Sargassum in the Riviera Maya is a significant challenge for the region, but it is also an opportunity to find new solutions and innovative approaches. By working together, local communities, authorities, and researchers can help to mitigate the impact of seaweed and find new uses for this resource. With time and effort, the Riviera Maya can continue to be a beautiful and vibrant destination for visitors from around the world.
For more information on Sargassum, and it could impact your travels (if at all), give us a call at 403-651-5090 or drop us a note at fitstravelplanning@gmail.com.
Safe travels!
Image credit: thecancunsun.com/sargassum-barrier-delayed-as-25000-tonnes-of-seaweed-hits-beaches-in-cancun-and-playa-del-carmen