Background and Relevance
Mara Lezama, the Governor of Quintana Roo, and Alicia Bárcena, the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), visited the sargasso-fighting vessel “Natans” to assess the integrated strategy against sargasso in Quintana Roo. This initiative is crucial for protecting the region’s tourism-dependent economy, which supports thousands of families.
Collaborative Efforts
During the visit, Alicia Bárcena praised the extraordinary joint efforts of the Quintana Roo government and SEMAR (Secretariado de Marina) in addressing the sargasso issue, a natural phenomenon exacerbated by climate change.
Governor Lezama expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary Alicia Bárcena, in safeguarding the region’s tourism industry.
Comprehensive Strategy
Alicia Bárcena highlighted the completeness of the strategy, which includes monitoring, maritime collection and containment by the Navy (MARINA), beach collection, and the upcoming Sargasso Economic Circular Park.
Natans Vessel Capabilities
The Contralmirante Topiltzin Tlacaeletl Flores Jaramillo, coordinator of the SEMAR sargasso containment strategy, explained that the Natans vessel has a 250-tonne capacity and can operate autonomously for five days at sea.
Since the sargasso season began in April, Natans has collected 520 tonnes of sargasso at sea. Recently, it removed 110 tonnes from Playa del Carmen’s coastline.
Within the Playa del Carmen to Puerto Morelos stretch, Natans has cleared 380 tonnes of sargasso heading towards the coast.
Collection Process
The collection system operates at the stern using two conveyor belts that transport sargasso to the hopper. Sixteen Navy personnel operate the vessel, working from 7 AM to 9 PM in shifts.
Natans collaborates with eleven other sargasso-fighting vessels strategically positioned across Quintana Roo, including Isla Mujeres, Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Mahahual, and Xcalak.
The Natans base is in Yucalpetén, Progreso, but it operates in Quintana Roo from April to October during the sargasso season.
Local Support
Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz also attended the visit, emphasizing the strategy’s importance in protecting local beaches and supporting tourism.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the sargasso strategy? The Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, Secretary Alicia Bárcena (SEMARNAT), and the Secretariado de Marina (SEMAR) are key players in this initiative.
- What is the purpose of the integrated strategy? The strategy aims to protect Quintana Roo’s tourism-dependent economy from the negative impacts of sargasso, a natural phenomenon worsened by climate change.
- What does the Natans vessel do? The Natans vessel collects sargasso at sea and along the coast, working in coordination with other sargasso-fighting vessels across Quintana Roo.
- How effective has the strategy been so far? Since April, Natans has collected over 520 tonnes of sargasso at sea and recently removed 110 tonnes from Playa del Carmen’s coastline.
