Sargassum bloom blankets Mexico's coast, hurting tourism

A record influx of brown, odorous seaweed known as sargassum has spread across Mexico’s coastal shoreline, covering popular beaches from the Yucatán Peninsula to the Pacific states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The algae, which floats in large mats and emits a strong, unpleasant smell as it decomposes, has been reported in quantities that surpass previous seasonal peaks, prompting concerns among local authorities and residents.

The extensive coverage is disrupting tourism, a key economic driver for the region, as hotels and beach operators report cancellations and reduced visitor numbers. Municipal governments have mobilized cleanup crews, deployed mechanical rakes, and applied barriers to prevent the seaweed from reaching inland areas, while the federal environmental agency is monitoring ocean currents and nutrient levels that may be fueling the bloom. Officials indicated that the surge is part of a broader pattern affecting the Caribbean basin, and they will continue to assess mitigation strategies to protect both the coastal environment and the livelihoods dependent on it.