Authorities in Cancun have
redoubled efforts to clean up and remove tons of sargassum seaweed that has
washed up along the beaches in recent weeks.
Sargassum seaweed is an
unwelcome visitor this summer along stretches of shoreline in the eastern
Caribbean, especially on Barbados and on the Mexican Caribbean from Holbox as
far south as Tulum.
Although the algae poses no
threat to beachgoers, it is ugly and brown, especially when it covers the white
sand beaches so famous in the region.
It moves with the ocean
currents and shows up unannounced every couple of years.
This batch is rumored to have
its origins in Brazil. Authorities said the invasion could be due to high
levels of nutrients in the ocean waters or changes in ocean temperatures.
No tourists have canceled
visits to the Cancun area because of the seaweed problems, according to the
state government of Quintana Roo.
The government has formed a
task force to study the problem, both its origins and best methods of disposal.