Sargassum Season in Puerto Morelos: What We Do To Keep the Beaches Clean
As the summer season approaches, so does the annual influx of sargassum, a type of seaweed that often makes its way to the Caribbean shores.
Keeping Sargassum to a minimum:
To minimize the influx of seaweed, local authorities have installed barriers along the coastline to help prevent large quantities of sargassum from reaching the shores. These barriers are a critical line of defense, protecting both the beach and the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Some seaweed still manages to get through:
The sargassum that does make it to the beach is swiftly dealt with by a dedicated team of workers.
These unsung heroes and heroines work tirelessly to clear the beaches and ensure they remain a beautiful and welcoming destination for tourists and locals alike.
When Life gives you seaweed, make bricks and shoes.
A typical day for a sargassum removal worker begins early in the morning, often before the sun has fully risen.
In addition to keeping the beaches pristine, these workers also contribute to broader sustainability efforts. Collected sargassum is often repurposed for other uses, such as creating eco-friendly bricks or innovative footwear.
Omar de Jesús Vázquez Sánchez – the innovative builder:
Sr. Omar de Jesús Vázquez Sánchez of Quintana Roo has pioneered a method to convert the seaweed into bricks, which are then used to build houses. This approach not only helps manage the excess seaweed but also provides an affordable and eco-friendly building material.
The Mexican company Renovare – shoes that move you:
The Mexican company Renovare has found a way to transform sargassum and recycled plastic into shoes. This innovative solution addresses both the sargassum issue and the global problem of plastic waste, resulting in the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
A Positive Outlook for the Puerto Morelos Beaches:
Thanks to these innovative solutions and the hard work of the beach-cleaning teams, locals and tourists can still enjoy the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches of Puerto Morelos.
The next time you find yourself on the beaches of Puerto Morelos, take a moment to appreciate the incredible work of the sargassum removal teams and the innovators thinking outside the box. These unsung heroes and heroines are the backbone of the community’s effort to maintain a clean and vibrant coastline. Without their hard work and dedication, the beaches wouldn’t be the stunning paradise they are today.