Mexico City [Mexico], August 15: Mexico is scrambling to contain a record surge of foul-smelling sargassum along its Caribbean coast, as the brown seaweed swamps beaches in the heart of the country's tourism belt, Reuters reported.
Officials in Quintana Roo, home to resort destinations including Cancun, del Carmen and Tulum, have cleared more than 105,000 metric tons of sargassum so far this year, according to data released this week, a figure that already exceeds last year's record 92,783 tons.
Scientists say the outsized blooms are being fueled by a mix of nutrient-rich runoff - including fertilizer-linked nitrogen and phosphorus, particularly from agricultural powerhouses such as Brazil - and shifting ocean conditions. The seaweed's buildup on beaches can drive tourists away as it releases hydrogen sulfide gas as it rots that irritates nasal airways.
The season could last until early or mid-October, though forecasts remain uncertain, said Oscar Rebora, Quintana Roo's environment minister.
"It will depend on winds, currents and tides," Rebora said, adding that the latest tally was current as of Tuesday. Playa del Carmen has recorded the volume collected so far, he said.
Source: Emirates News Agency
