Stinky Seaweed Threatens Mexico's Tourism Rebound

According to the Spanish bank BBVA, millions of tons of stinking brown seaweed washing up on Mexico's beaches threaten a post-COVID tourism resurgence as international tourists plan summer vacations, Cassandra Garrison reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: The seaweed surge thwarted major daily attempts by Mexico's Navy and local employees to clean it from the water and sand.

According to the University of South Florida, sargassum seaweed, which gives the Caribbean coast's crystal-clear waters a brown tinge and generates a sewage-like odor when it washes ashore, reached an all-time monthly high in June.

The Caribbean region recorded 24.2 million tons in the month, up from 18.8 million tons in May.

According to BBVA analysts, the sargassum surge poses a "significant threat" to the country's post-pandemic tourism recovery, particularly in Quintana Roo state, which is home to beachfront hotspots such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen.

The seaweed surge thwarted major daily attempts by Mexico's Navy and local employees to clean it from the water and sand. "The sargassum... is not a problem that can be solved, but must constantly be addressed, mainly in the summer months," BBVA said on Monday.

Mexico's GDP from the multibillion-dollar tourism business fell by 25% in real terms in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, despite the fact that the country never closed its borders.

According to BBVA, the sector recovered virtually to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, but the increasing trajectory is threatened unless the seaweed is contained.

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