MAHAHUAL, Mexico, 29 September 2026 — Royal Caribbean Group has completed the first phase of its sargassum-management programme in Mahahual, Mexico, collecting 977 metric tons of sargassum over five months and moving into an expanded second phase.
The programme was developed in collaboration with Menos Plástico es Fantástico, a local non-profit organisation that promotes community and educational initiatives focused on reducing plastic waste and has expanded its work to include sargassum management. It advances a commitment announced by Royal Caribbean Group in March to help address one of the coastal community’s priorities.
Sargassum is a naturally occurring floating seaweed that provides important habitat for marine species in the open ocean. In coastal areas, however, large accumulations can affect coastal ecosystems and communities, creating a need for timely and responsible management.
First phase collects 977 metric tons
During the pilot, teams used in-water collection and nets to remove sargassum from Mahahual’s reef lagoon before it reached the shoreline. The material was then transported to designated areas for drying and processing, where waste and other materials were separated.
Over five months, the programme collected 977 metric tons of sargassum, equivalent to filling more than 48,000 wheelbarrows. Teams used 3,054 collection nets in the in-water removal operations and produced 560 sacks of dried sargassum while exploring potential opportunities to repurpose the material.
The work generated learnings related to collection, transportation, drying and waste-separation processes. It also complemented existing sargassum-management measures in the area, including barriers and anchor points near the pier.
Marine species documented
The programme included the identification and documentation of marine species found in the collected sargassum. These included sargassum crabs, juvenile triggerfish, sargassum shrimp and sargassum frogfish.
Macroplastics found during collection were also gathered, contributing additional information to help understand the materials and marine life present in the collected sargassum.
The pilot was carried out by Menos Plástico es Fantástico with support from Royal Caribbean Group, with activities focused primarily on the El Quebrado area of Mahahual. The project also supported other local sargassum-management efforts in areas of economic and tourism importance to Mahahual, including actions related to barriers in the fishermen’s pier area and the navigation channel, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Second phase runs through November
As the programme moves into its second phase, Royal Caribbean Group and Menos Plástico es Fantástico will extend operations through November. In-water collection capacity will increase from two to three vessels, with additional clean-up activities introduced along the navigation channel between Mahahual’s central area and the entrance to Quebrado Norte.
The work will include supporting the clean-up of sargassum nets and surrounding areas, removing nets left on the seabed and clearing debris accumulated around the nets to help keep the navigation channel cleaner.
“Our commitment to Mahahual begins with listening to the community and working alongside local partners on solutions that respond to shared priorities,” said Helen OConnell, Associate Vice President, Community Engagement, Royal Caribbean Group. “This first phase turned that commitment into action, helping remove 977 metric tons of sargassum, strengthen local collaboration and build a foundation for continued progress through the next phase of the program.”
In parallel with the pilot, Royal Caribbean Group contributed to sargassum-management efforts in Mahahual by supporting the relocation and expansion of the sargassum barrier. This included investment in new anchors and technical equipment, in coordination with the Mahahual Sargassum Committee and the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).
The programmes reflect Royal Caribbean Group’s broader commitment to the communities and destinations where it operates. Through its SEA the Future platform, the company advances initiatives focused on sustaining the planet, strengthening communities and accelerating innovation at scale.
Source: Official Press Releases from Royal Caribbean Press Centre, 29 September 2026, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica and MIAMI
