NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 31, 2026Miami-Dade
Mexico commits $115 million to combat record sargassum seaweed blooms
The Mexican government plans to invest $115 million to address record-breaking levels of sargassum seaweed blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches. The seaweed, which is now reproducing locally rather than just drifting in from Africa, is causing significant economic disruption to tourism and posing environmental and health risks to coastal communities.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
Record seaweed levels are damaging local tourism economies and releasing gases that can cause health issues for residents and visitors in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions.
Key Facts
- Mexico plans to invest $115 million to manage sargassum seaweed.
- 27 million metric tons of sargassum were recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico in July.
- Gulf of Mexico sargassum levels reached 5 million metric tons in June, nearly double the previous year's record.
- Mexico estimates up to 9,000 tons of seaweed reach its Caribbean coastline daily, but current capacity only allows for 1,200 tons of removal.
- Sales in the state of Quintana Roo fell 30% in the first half of the year due to tourism declines.
- Decaying sargassum releases ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which can cause nausea, headaches, and lung irritation.
- Scientists observed sargassum reproducing locally in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico for the first time this year.
- Macroalgae blooms increased by more than 13% per year between 2003 and 2022.
- Martinique crews collected over 11,500 tons of sargassum so far this year.
- The 2025 bloom was large enough to sustain itself locally without needing new influxes from Africa.
Who's Mentioned
locationQuintana Roo“Mexican state experiencing tourism decline.”organizationU.S. Environmental Protection Agency“Warned about health effects of seaweed gases.”personWaldemar Quiles“Puerto Rico natural resources secretary.”personAmy Dempsey“Environmental consultant in U.S. Virgin Islands.”organizationUniversity of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab“Provided data on sargassum levels.”locationMexico“Government planning to invest in seaweed cleanup.”personAlan Vázquez“Waiter in Playa del Carmen affected by tourism decline.”organizationNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration“Used AI to study macroalgae blooms.”personBrian Barnes“Marine scientist and research assistant professor.”personEmmanuel Maldonado González“Environmental sociologist at East Carolina University.”