An investigation into the Pelagic Sargassum incursion phenomenon: A study of seaweed coastal influxes on Cozumel Island, Mexico

Abstract

The Pelagic Sargassum influx problem in Mexico and other Caribbean countries began in 2011 when seaweed arrived in extreme quantities on Mexican Caribbean coastlines. As coastal areas produce resources like fisheries, tourism, and raw materials, this creates problems for the surrounding businesses. Sargassum thrives in the Atlantic Ocean due to eutrophication, and the ocean conditions promote the shifting of these seaweed mats. This work aims to study Sargassum arrivals on Cozumel Island coasts and examine coastal lines disposition to receive the seaweed. From our findings, it was understood the importance of a good handling policy in the country and the disposition of sandy-type beaches to accumulate more Sargassum.