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Arrival of sargassum on Cancun beaches creates jobs for more than 300

Cancun, Q.R. — As sargassum begins to make it way toward land, the Federal Terrestrial Maritime Zone (Zofemat) of Benito Juárez starts a temporary employment program that will see 300 people put to work.

Director of la Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre (Zofemat) en Benito Juárez, Vagner Elbiorn Vega says nearly two tons of seaweed has arrived on Cancun beaches in the past 24 hours, noting that clean up crews have already removed what has accumulated.

He says that the landfall was expected, noting it is around this time of year when the sargasso begins to make its appearance. “Between yesterday and today we have collected two tons of sargassum along Cancun beaches. Before there were 12 or 13 tons of sargassum,” saying “ it is not a huge arrival, but it is typical of the season.”

Elbiorn Vega said that Playa Coral along with Playa El Niño, Playa Las Perlas, Playa Delfines and Chacmol, have all seen the arrival of varying amounts of sargassum. He clarified that at Playa Tortugas, it is sea grass that affects its waters.

He mentioned that they have an “army” of more than 300 workers who will be in charge of cleaning the beaches with resources from the federation, adding that this year, they have seven beach sweepers to help ensure sargassum-free sand.

“This year, there is more than 30 million peso in resources,” he noted, adding that one sargassum vessel from the Secretary of the Navy is also on its way to join to the containment work. He says the 300 workers will be employed until December.