Lesser amounts of sargassum expected in Quintana Roo in 2023

The amount of sargassum expected for the 2023 season is expected to be lower. According to studies conducted by the National Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Inapesca) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Marine Sciences (Cicimar), less sargassum is expected to arrive on Mexican beaches in 2023.

The Ministry of Agriculture explained that these studies have focused on the relationship between the behavior in the greater Caribbean area with the accumulated quantities off the coast of Quintana Roo, those close to the coast, and those that arrive on state beaches.

Contrary to popular belief, the analyses enabled them to forecast a decrease in sargassum biomass for the 2023 season, with the possibility of seeing levels comparable to 2019.

The behavior of ocean currents and atmospheric conditions are important factors in the influx and displacement of macroalgae along the coast of Quintana Roo. However, it is still recommended that municipalities take preventive measures to deal with sargassum that may make landfall, while others continue scientific research to find new uses for sargassum.

Sargassum is currently used by two companies in the state. One company manufactures bricks for the construction of modest homes for those in need, while the other manufactures organic fertilizer.