Authorities have removed more than 96,000 metric tons this year as governments and businesses explore ways to turn the algae into biofuel, fertiliser and other commercial products, supporting coastal tourism.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: @silasbaisch;

Scientists expect 2026 to become one of the largest years on record for sargassum in the Caribbean, with blooms continuing to grow as warming seas and nutrient-rich waters fuel their expansion. Mexico will host an international conference in Cancun later this year to discuss coordinated collection efforts, ecosystem protection and new commercial uses for the seaweed across the Caribbean region.