Mexico clears 100,000+ tons of sargassum yet tourism reels from Atlantic seaweed surge

The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt now spans about 5,000 miles, with satellite estimates of 37.5 million metric tons in May and 33.6 million in June, making 2026 likely the second-largest year on record. Scientists link the rapid expansion to nutrient influx from major rivers, upwelling, Saharan dust and warmer waters, noting nitrogen content has risen sharply since the 1980s. Mexico has responded with a 24-hour operation that includes 27 navy vessels capable of scooping 300 tons each, smaller boats and hand-collection teams, already extracting roughly 100,000 tons by late July.

Despite these efforts, sargassum continues to blanket beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, driving down occupancy from historic highs of 90% to current levels of 55-70% and forcing staff cuts. Workers such as Argentine waitress Azul Lucero and chef Tere May describe empty rooms and an “unbearable stench.” President Claudia Sheinbaum admitted a slight tourism dip and announced a collaborative strategy with the hotel sector, while scientists expect conditions to improve by late October or early November, though a long-term solution remains uncertain.