Macroalgae influx disrupts tourism at Nayarit's Rincón de Guayabitos

A sudden accumulation of macroalgae, identified as the genus Hypnea, has blanketed the popular beach of Rincón de Guayabitos in Compostela, Nayarit, just as the summer vacation season begins. The event has sparked sharp divisions between tourism-dependent locals who report a severe drop in visitors and authorities who insist the beach remains safe and that the impact on tourism is minimal. Source: excelsiormx, heraldomx, lajornadamx.

The scale of the problem

• 10 tonnes of algae have already been removed, and officials estimate another 30–35 tonnes will accumulate before the phenomenon ends in about three weeks. Source: heraldomx.
• The alga appeared suddenly in the first week of July, with locals describing it as “something that had never happened before” in that quantity. Source: lajornadamx.
• While La Jornada calls the material “sargazo,” local health authorities identify it as Hypnea and stress it poses no health risk, as certified by Cofepris. Source: excelsiormx, lajornadamx.

Conflicting accounts of tourism impact

• Vendors and tourism promoters report a sharp decline in visitors, with one saying “the beach is very empty” and another noting that sales have “dropped a lot.” Source: excelsiormx.
• In contrast, the state tourism secretary, Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, claims the algae have not halted tourism and that cleanup efforts are ongoing daily. Source: heraldomx.
• Some tourists have considered moving to other beaches, while others remain undeterred. Source: excelsiormx, lajornadamx.

Cleanup challenges

Manual removal is the only method being used because it is currently sea turtle nesting season, making heavy machinery impractical. Source: heraldomx. Vendors, however, plead for machinery, saying hand-cleaning is insufficient. Source: excelsiormx. The cause of the bloom is under investigation, with possible links to increased nitrogen levels and mar de fondo (swell) conditions. Source: heraldomx.