In a concerted effort to maintain the island’s pristine beaches, the Municipal Government led by José Luis Chacón Méndez has successfully removed over 114,400 kilograms of sargassum from January to March of this year. This monumental task was undertaken at various points on Cozumel Island, with the goal of preserving its natural beauty for both locals and tourists.
Irwin Javier Batún Alpuche, Director of the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) in Cozumel, emphasized that this cleanup operation has been a top priority since the beginning of President Chacón’s administration. The efforts have yielded impressive results, with a total of 114.4 tons of sargassum removed from January 1 to March 31, 2025.
The eastern side of Cozumel, particularly Punta Chiqueros Bay, has been the most affected area by the arrival of sargassum. However, the central coast of the island has also seen significant amounts of this seaweed.
A team of 51 personnel from Zofemat and Temporary Employment Program participants work together to mitigate the impact of sargassum, manually collecting it from Monday to Saturday between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This approach avoids using heavy machinery, which could harm the coastal environment.
The collected sargassum is transported to a collection site on the south side of the island for drying before being reintegrated into the environment in an environmentally responsible manner.
This initiative demonstrates the Municipal Government’s commitment to safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of the community. By keeping Cozumel’s beaches clean, they preserve their natural beauty and protect public health.
Source: Quinto Poder
