Large quantities of brown Sargassum algae are washing up on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, polluting beaches, clouding the water, causing strong odors ― and harming tourism.
Image: Paola Chiomante/REUTERS
Mexico’s tourism industry in the Caribbean is suffering from an unprecedented algae bloom. On the beach at Playa del Carmen in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, there is hardly any trace left of the usually turquoise water. Washed-up brown algae dominate the scene — and the smell: As they rot, the algae smell like rotten eggs and are driving tourists away.
Image: Alfredo Estrella/AFP
The Mexican Navy is attempting to intercept the Sargassum while it is still on the open sea. To do so, it is deploying 27 specialized ships, as well as smaller boats, barriers, amphibious vehicles and cleanup crews. The ships use conveyor belts to remove the algae from the water, collect it in nets, and then bring it ashore.
Image: Alfredo Estrella/AFP
The Mexican government says that so far, 96,150 metric tons of Sargassum have been collected this year, more than the 92,783 metric tons collected in all of 2025. Most of the algae is not removed until after it has washed up on the beaches. Despite countermeasures, large quantities continue to wash ashore. The heavy cleanup vehicles are probably not what tourists pictured for their beach vacation.
Image: Alfredo Estrella/AFP
Scientists cite several possible causes for the growing amounts of Sargassum: warmer oceans, more nutrients in the water and changes in ocean currents. Climate change could be contributing to this trend.
Image: Alfredo Estrella/AFP
Restaurants and hotels are feeling the impact acutely. A restaurant in Playa del Carmen, which normally serves about 400 guests a day, is currently serving fewer than 50. Hotels are also reporting massive losses: According to an employee at one 24-room hotel, not a single room was occupied at times because of the stench.
Image: Alfredo Estrella/AFP
So far, the Mexican government has tended to downplay the economic impact, pointing to the continued high number of foreign visitors. President Claudia Sheinbaum, however, acknowledged a slight decline. Together with the hotel industry, the government has launched measures to combat the Sargassum invasion and is investing approximately $115 million (€99.6 million) in prevention efforts.
Image: Paola Chiomante/REUTERS6 images1 | 66 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5IYxK
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