Mexico’s Caribbean beaches overwhelmed by record sargassum influx I Inside Latin America

The Caribbean is facing a growing sargassum seaweed crisis, with huge quantities washing onto beaches across the region and threatening tourism, ecosystems and public health.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya has been particularly affected, with the influx reaching thousands of tonnes of seaweed each day.

As the algae decomposes on beaches, it can release toxic gases, raising health concerns for residents and tourists. Scientists also warn that the accumulation of sargassum can damage seagrass ecosystems and affect beach stability.

The crisis is putting pressure on Mexico’s tourism industry, while the Mexican Navy has stepped up efforts to collect the seaweed before it reaches the shore.

But some businesses are looking at sargassum differently.

Companies including Carbonwave and Sargablock are developing ways to transform the invasive algae into products such as bio-fertilizers, footwear and construction materials.

Could an environmental crisis become a new source of sustainable materials?

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