Mexican Caribbean Coast Research Articles

Optimization of hydrochar synthesis conditions for enhanced Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption in mono and multimetallic systems

The characterisation of hydrochars derived from Sargassum biomass collected along the Mexican Caribbean coast reveals their favourable morphology and chemical composition for incorporating metal ions, including Cd(II) and Pb(II). Among the synthesized materials, HCS-3, produced at 180 °C with a 2 h residence time, exhibited superior yield, specific area, carbon content, and capacity for removing Cd(II) and Pb(II). Adsorption equilibrium studies demonstrate the presence of adsorption processes during Cd(II) and Pb(II) retention on HCS-3, with adsorption capacities slightly exceeding 140 and 340 mg g⁻1, respectively. Notably, HCS-3 shows a greater affinity for Pb(II) over Cd(II) when both elements are present concurrently. The physicochemical analysis through FTIR spectroscopy, functional group analysis, point of zero charge determination, SEM/EDS, and other techniques evidenced that HCS-3 possesses favourable characteristics to serve as a heavy metal adsorbent. These findings underscore the efficacy of hydrochars from Sargassum biomass in removing heavy metals, suggesting their potential as superior adsorbents compared to traditional or novel materials, and advising its possible versatility for other pollutants. Utilizing these hydrochars could mitigate the economic and environmental impact of Sargassum biomass by repurposing it for valuable applications.

Steroid Hormone Profiles and Demographic Data for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Inhabiting the Mexican Caribbean Coast

Steroid Hormone Profiles and Demographic Data for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Inhabiting the Mexican Caribbean Coast

Pelagic Sargassum as a Potential Vector for Microplastics into Coastal Ecosystems

Macroalgal blooms are increasing globally, with those linked to pelagic Sargassum affecting over 30 nations since 2011. As Sargassum mats traverse the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, they entrap and transport plastic to coastal areas, intensifying pollution in diverse ecosystems. This research assessed microplastics (MPs) within Sargassum fluitans III collected from the northern Mexican Caribbean coast (March 2021 to January 2022). The study employed a hydrogen peroxide protocol for macroalgae pretreatment to optimize MP extraction. All samples analyzed contained MPs at monthly mean concentrations that ranged from 3.5 to 15.3 MPs g−1 DW, with fibers constituting ≥90%. Fiber colors, mainly transparent, blue, and black, exhibited diverse sizes and wear stages. The study underscores the pervasive and consistent presence of MPs in pelagic Sargassum reaching the Mexican Caribbean. Considering the documented Sargassum influxes to this coast in recent years (2789–11,297 tons km−1 yr−1), potential annual MP influxes range from 0.1 × 109 to 17.3 × 109 km−1 yr−1. Efficiently removing beach-cast Sargassum and directing it to landfills could serve as a viable strategy for the simultaneous removal of attached MPs from the ocean and coastal waters, offering a promising mitigation strategy to combat plastic pollution in the examined marine environment.

Two new species of Monstrilla (Copepoda: Monstrilloida: Monstrillidae) from a protected reef system of the Mexican Caribbean

Several adult female monstrilloid copepods, collected in March 2022 from the protected reef area of Xcalak, on the southern part of the Mexican Caribbean coast, proved to belong to two undescribed species of Monstrilla Dana, 1849. They are described here as M. xcalakensis sp. nov. and M. annulata sp. nov., partly by use of scanning electron microscopy. Females of the two species are generally similar but differ in: (1) antennular segmental structure, (2) antennular armature and ornamentation, (3) structure and setation of the fifth leg, (4) number and modifications of the caudal setae, and (5) integumental ornamentation. Comparison with congeneric species revealed distinctive features for both species that support their status as new. These two species are interesting additions to the reef-dwelling monstrilloid copepod fauna of the Mexican Caribbean and confirm Monstrilla as the most diverse genus of monstrilloids in this area, now represented by nine species.

Antioxidant activities in holopelagic Sargassum species from the Mexican Caribbean: Temporal changes and intra-thallus variation

In the last decade, massive events of Sargassum influx have been reported causing ecological and economic damages. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant potential of the holopelagic species S. fluitans, S. natans I, and S. natans VIII which arrived during 2018–2019 on the Mexican Caribbean coast. The monthly and intra-thallus variation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined in hydroethanolic extracts. The antioxidant potential was assessed using two free radical scavenging assays DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP as ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. All Sargassum species showed radical scavenging and reducing power due to their polyphenol content, but also due to the presence of other antioxidant metabolites such as mannitol, alginate, and fucoidan as observed in the 13C NMR spectra. The antioxidant capacity and the TPC in all Sargassum species were enhanced in August 2018 and March–April 2019, coinciding with elevated seawater temperatures and the highest solar irradiances. For all the holopelagic Sargassum species, the highest TPC was obtained in the axes rather than in the vesicles or leaves. These results suggest that invasive Sargassum biomass in the Mexican Caribbean contains different compounds with antioxidant properties and could be considered a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, especially if collected in the summer months.

Comparative study on the valorization of Sargassum from the Mexican Caribbean coast and Gulf of California as an ingredient on healthy diets for shrimp farming

Sargassum biomass is a potential ingredient for aquaculture formulations due to its high nutritional value and availability, as it contains a variety of essential nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, which are essential for aquatic growing, development and health parameters including digestibility and immune response against diseases. Therefore, in this work, five experimental diets were formulated considering 2.5 % and 5 % levels of inclusion of Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean coasts (SC), and from the Gulf of California (SG), and one reference diet as a control. The characterization of the raw material and the proximal analysis of the five diets were evaluated according to standard reference methods. A 35-day feeding trial was conducted using juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei showed a shrimp survival rate of 97 ± 6 % (p > 0.05) on SC. Excellent weight gain (WG) performance of SC and SG diets at 2.5 % of inclusion resulted in >10 % WG compared to the control. The specific activity of amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin showed a significant increase by including Sargassum in diets, compared with the reference diet. Incorporating Sargassum at 2.5 % in feed formulations for shrimps showed a great opportunity to use it as an ingredient and improved production yields. The digestion and absorption parameters were represented by the enzymatic activity in which the diets based on Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean coast (SC) have resulted in the best performance.

Monitoring holopelagic Sargassum spp. along the Mexican Caribbean coast: understanding and addressing user requirements for satellite remote sensing

Massive influxes of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans) have been causing major economic, environmental and ecological problems along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Predicting the arrival of the sargassum as an aid to addressing these problems is a priority for the government, coastal communities and the society; both mitigating the impacts and providing opportunities for its use. Lack of data concerning precise locations and times of sargassum beachings means that public and private funds are being spent inefficiently and most actions are reactive. The dynamic nature of sargassum beachings/influxes render conventional ground-based monitoring insufficient. Earth observation and cloud-based processing services offer tools to track, quantify and understand sargassum beaching remotely in a frequent, systematic and reliable manner with the temporal and spatial resolutions required for its management. In order to find the right solutions to address this problem, in this paper the needs and requirements of stakeholders are taken into consideration for the development of an Earth observation-based service to monitor sargassum along the Mexican Caribbean coast. Routine monitoring of sargassum over a large area will be cost effective and help mitigate the negative effects of sargassum influxes. The combination of imagery from Planet, specifically their SuperDove systems that provide daily data at 3 m spatial resolutions, with the freely available EU Copernicus data would be useful for many different stakeholders and potential users. A prototype of the service is presented, based on the main user requirements. The system would enable public and private organizations to allocate resources appropriately in affected areas quickly and efficiently, thereby minimizing economic, social and environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of local communities. It would also assist the sargassum industry in the collection of fresh algae for onward processing. The system could easily be implemented for similar types of environmental monitoring in the Greater Caribbean and beyond.

Pelagic Sargassum cleanup cost in Mexico

Pelagic Sargassum spp. (Sargassum) blooms in the tropical Atlantic began in 2011. Since then, frequent and significant beaching events have caused ecological, economic, and human-health-related problems in over 30 countries. On the Mexican Caribbean coast, massive beaching events began in late 2014 and, since 2018, have occurred annually, with high-volume landings lasting from five to seven months. This study analyzes data on Sargassum cleanup costs done by three municipalities (Puerto Morelos, Solidaridad, and Tulum) and five hotels between Tulum and Cancun. The annual harvested volumes ranged from 10,105–40,932 m3 per kilometer, resulting in US$ 0.3–1.1 M cleanup costs per kilometer. The prices of cleaning one cubic meter of Sargassum ranged from US$: 19–85. The expenses were influenced by cleanup management strategies rather than beach cast volumes. Hotels were more cost-effective than municipalities. For the city of Puerto Morelos, we additionally calculated the yearly and monthly cleanup costs using the mean per-unit price obtained from hotels within this municipality (US$ 27 per m3) and the Sargassum volumes removed monthly from the beach by 14 hotels during 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The costs per kilometer for this municipality ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 M in years (Mean: 1.0 M) and US$ 10,186–100,446 over months, with mean values greater than US$ 70,000 from May to August. The data provided here can help governments and hotels to anticipate cleanup costs for forecasting purposes and industries interested in valorizing Sargassum.

A new species of Monstrilla (Copepoda, Monstrilloida) from the western Caribbean with comments on M.wandelii Stephensen, 1913 and M.conjunctiva Giesbrecht, 1893.

The taxonomic study of monstrilloid copepods is hampered by incomplete early descriptions, uncertain synonymies, and the difficulty of reliably matching males and females of species. A re-evaluation of male monstrilloid specimens collected from two reef areas of the Mexican Caribbean allowed me to clarify the status of Monstrillamariaeugeniae Suárez-Morales & Islas-Landeros, 1993 and M.wandelii Stephensen, 1913 based on a comparison of males attributed to each of these species. Males from the Puerto Morelos reef system, northern Mexican Caribbean coast, were first proposed as a tropical subspecies of the subarctic M.wandelii; later on, morphologically close males collected from the Mahahual reef area, southern Mexican Caribbean coast, were designated as the males of M.mariaeugeniae. Their status is here corrected with the description of M.mahahualensis sp. nov. based on the Mahahual males; the new species shares the same type of genitalia with the antarctic M.conjunctiva Giesbrecht, 1892 and the subarctic M.wandelii; Park (1967) linked a single male from Vancouver to M.wandelii. It was realised that Park's (1967) males from the Vancouver area and the two Mexican Caribbean groups of males represent different, undescribed species. I here reassign the males earlier attributed to M.mariaeugeniae as a new species of Monstrilla which is herein described. The new species differs from the males of M.conjunctiva and M.wandelii by details of the genitalia, length of the setae of the fifth legs, armature and integumental structures of the antennules, and size of the outer exopodal spines of legs 1-4. This is the third known species of Monstrilla with a M.conjunctiva-like male genitalia and the first one known from tropical areas. The male of both M.mariaeugeniae and M.wandelii remain unknown.

Weak shock wave-mediated fucoxanthin extraction from Sargassum spp. and its electrochemical quantification

Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found in Sargassum spp., possesses essential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, conventional methods for extracting fucoxanthin suffer from substantial limitations. This study demonstrates that shock wave-induced cavitation can be an efficient and selective extraction method. Suspensions of 100 mg of dried powdered algae with 4 mL of solvent (80 % ethanol) were exposed to four extraction methods at 25 and 50 °C. Four thousand single-pulse shock waves (SP-SWs) and two thousand dual-pulse shock waves, i.e., tandem shock waves (T-SWs), with a positive peak pressure of approximately 70 MPa, were compared with exposure for 30 min to a 40 kHz, 160 W-ultrasound bath (USE-B) and 5 min sonotrode extraction (USE-S) at maximum energy. A differential pulse voltammetry method for quantifying fucoxanthin was used for the first time, demonstrating that it is as fast and precise as other highly sensitive techniques. Independent of the extraction method, higher fucoxanthin content was obtained at 50 °C. At both temperatures, the total phenolic and flavonoid content values recorded after USE-S and T-SWs (delay ~220 μs) extraction were significantly smaller than those achieved for USE-B and SP-SWs. At 50 °C, the fucoxanthin content obtained was lower for the USE-S and T-SWs, opening the possibility of selective extraction. Moreover, this is the first time that the fucoxanthin content of Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean coast has been reported.

Macro and microelement analysis of Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans arriving in the coastal zone of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

In recent years, the massive increase in Sargassum landings on the Mexican Caribbean coast has generated negative environmental repercussions. This study has two main objectives (1) to analyze the macro and micronutrients of Sargassum fluitans and S. natans in order to (2) use them in the local and regional industry as a biofertilizer in the production of ornamental plants. Sargasso samples were collected from floating arrivals in the sea and landfall in the area of three beaches in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico in 2018. The quantification of the elements in the samples was carried out using the method of fundamental parameters. The concentration of the macronutrients Ca, Na, K and Cl was higher than the elements Mg, S, Si and Sr, as well as two orders of magnitude higher than Al and P. Additionally, the trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni were found in both species. It is worth mentioning that most of these elements are essential to complete the life cycle of plants; therefore, S. fluitans and S. natans can be considered as an excellent natural resource and alternative as a soil improver for the cultivation of ornamental plants.

Environmental impact of Sargassum spp. landings: an evaluation of leachate released from natural decomposition at Mexican Caribbean coast.

Large volumes of pelagic Sargassum spp. have stranded periodically on the Mexican Caribbean shoreline. The aim of this research was to study the mobility of metals through the leachates released into the environment during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum spp. Fresh Sargassum samples were placed in cone-bed reactors: under laboratory and local environmental conditions. The leachate generated naturally by decomposition in both conditions was recovered periodically and analyses of pH, volume, and metal content were carried out. Sargassum biomass was monitored by electron microscopy, FT-IR, and CHNS analysis. The Sargassum biomass studied presented a C: N ratio of 24.39, making it a potential raw feedstock for biofuels and other value-added products. Calculations performed on leachate production allowed inferring that each ton of fresh Sargassum that decomposes at a controlled temperature of 27°C can produce 316 L of leachate. This leachate can contain 5.67g of As and other potentially toxic metals (e.g., B, Al, Cu). At the end of both experiments, the biomass that was incubated for 30days presented a C: N ratio of 28.86, so it can still be used as raw material for biofuels; however, the Sargassum biomass that remained 180days in incubation decreased its C:N ratio at 8.45 at this point, it can be considered a waste. The leachate generated during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum on beaches or disposal sites represents a high risk of contamination of the Yucatan Peninsula water system due to the high content of arsenic and the presence of potentially toxic metals.

Spatio-temporal variability of pelagic Sargassum landings on the northern Mexican Caribbean

The massive influx of pelagic Sargassum (sargasso) has produced environmental, socio-economic, and human health-related problems in several Atlantic countries in the last decade. Predicting sargasso landings to areas of interest is necessary to implement management actions. To date, quantitative assessments of beach-cast volumes are scarce, making it challenging to test prediction models based on remote sensing measurements and environmental variables. In this study, we analyze the variability in sargasso beach-cast accumulation in the northern Mexican Caribbean coast in 2018 and 2019 and its relationship with: (1) wind direction and speed, (2) sea surface temperature, and (3) sargasso biomass measured with MODIS in the southwestern Caribbean Sea and the Mexican Caribbean exclusive economic zone. We use data on the monthly volume of sargasso removed from the beach by seven hotels over a 40 km section of shoreline. The mean monthly volume per kilometer of shoreline was higher in 2018 (1852 m3), but that of 2019 was also significant (1773 m3). Landing patterns were variable, with the peak months differing among sites within years and years within sites. High-volume stranding lasted seven months in 2018 and five in 2019. In both years, high beaching occurred during the summer when the wind direction was between 90° and 180° with wind speeds of 4–8 m s−1. The mean volume in the record-breaking month of 2019 (May = 6565 m3 km−1) was more significant than the highest of 2018 (June = 3816 m3 km−1). MODIS data and landing volumes showed a similar seasonal pattern, but maximum satellite signals occurred at different months than those with maximum beaching. We found a significant (p < 0.05) but low correlation (Kendall tau <0.3) between the volume of sargasso washing ashore and in situ sea surface temperature (SST), and no meaningful relationship between SST measured by MODIS and (1) sargasso abundance measured by MODIS and (2) sargasso landing volumes. The information reported in this study can help to test forecasting models and is valuable for sargasso management and valorization.

Interconnections between Coastal Sediments, Hydrodynamics, and Ecosystem Profiles on the Mexican Caribbean Coast

The interconnections between hydrodynamics, coastal sediments, and ecosystem distribution were analysed for a ~250 km strip on the northern Mexican Caribbean coast. Ecosystems were related to the prevailing and extreme hydrodynamic conditions of two contrasting coastal environments in the study area: Cancun and Puerto Morelos. The results show that the northern Mexican Caribbean coast has fine and medium sands, with grain sizes decreasing generally, from north of Cancun towards the south of the region. Artificial beach nourishments in Cancun have affected the grain size distribution there. On beaches with no reef protection, larger grain sizes (D50 &gt; 0.46 mm) are noted. These beaches are subject to a wide range of wave-induced currents (0.01–0.20 m/s) and have steeper coastal profiles, where sediments, macroalgae and dune-mangrove systems predominate. The coastline with the greatest amount of built infrastructure coincides with beaches unprotected by seagrass beds and coral reefs. Where islands or coral reefs offer protection through less intense hydrodynamic conditions, the beaches have flatter profiles, the dry beach is narrow, current velocities are low (~0.01–0.05 m/s) and sediments are finer (D50 &lt; 0.36 mm). The results offer a science-based description of the interactions between physical processes and the role played by land uses for other tropical coastal ecosystems.

Tsunami Effects on the Coast of Mexico by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcano Eruption, Tonga.

The massive explosion by the January 15, 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in Tonga triggered a trans-oceanic tsunami generated by coupled ocean and atmospheric shock waves during the explosion. The tsunami reached first the coast of Tonga, and later many coasts around the world. The shock wave went around the globe, causing sea perturbations as far as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas. We present the effects of the January 15, 2022 Tonga tsunami on the Mexican Pacific Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Mexican Caribbean coast, and discuss the underrated hazard caused by great volcanic explosions, and the role of early tsunami warning systems, in particular in Mexico. The shock wave took about 7.5 h to reach the coast of Mexico, located about 9000 km away from the volcano, and the signal lasted several hours, about 133 h (5.13 days). The shock wave was the only cause for sea alterations on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, while at the Mexican Pacific coast both shock wave and the triggered tsunami by the volcano eruption and collapse affected this coast. The first tsunami waves recorded on the Mexican Pacific coast arrived around 12:35 on January 15, at the Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán tide gauge station. The maximum tsunami height exceeded 2 m at the Ensenada, Baja California, and Manzanillo, Colima, tide gauge stations. Most tsunami warning advisories, with two exceptions, reached communities via social media (Twitter and Facebook), but did not clearly state that people must stay away from the shore. We suggest that, although no casualties were reported in Mexico, tsunami warning advisories of far-field tsunamis and those triggered non-seismic sources, such as landslides and volcanic eruptions, should be included and improved to reach coastal communities timely, explaining the associated hazards on the coast.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00024-022-03017-9.

Bioenergetic valorization of &lt;i&gt;Sargassum fluitans&lt;/i&gt; in the Mexican Caribbean: The determination of the calorific value and washing mechanism

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;The advent of large volumes of &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum sp&lt;/italic&gt;. on the Mexican Caribbean coast has become an emerging issue for the Mexican population. The most frequent action is harvesting, but a correct treatment or energy recovery strategy is still missing. This work aimed to evaluate the energy potential of &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum fluitans&lt;/italic&gt;, through elemental calculations and direct measurements, considering the effect of its washing. The calorific value determined by the direct method was 9.24 ± 0.28 MJ/kg and 12.64 ± 0.18 MJ/kg for dirty and washed &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum&lt;/italic&gt;, respectively. The washing effect increased the calorific values in &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum fluitans&lt;/italic&gt; by 36.80%. The washing effect increased the calorific values determined by indirect methods, increasing 10.10% and 41.04%, each method, respectively. The content of toxic metals was lower in both materials than that established for non-woody biomass from energy use, concerning the ISO 17225:2014 standard. The unit energy cost of &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum fluitans&lt;/italic&gt; is ＄0.007 and ＄0.011 per MJ for dirty and washed conditions, respectively. Finally, the results of this work indicate that the &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum&lt;/italic&gt; wash provides better characteristics to be considered an alternative fuel option in combustion systems such as thermo-electric plants (based on carbon), sugar mills, and cement kilns with co-processing of solid waste. Attending from a bioenergetic approach, &lt;italic&gt;Sargassum's&lt;/italic&gt; emerging seasonal problem affects the Mexican Caribbean coast.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Dissolved Trace Metals from Mexican Caribbean Coast

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Dissolved Trace Metals from Mexican Caribbean Coast

Assessment of the energy potential as a solid biofuel of Sargassum spp. considering sustainability indicator

The present study evaluates the potential use of pelagic Sargassum spp. as a solid biofuel. Massive landings of these brown algae across the Atlantic have produced ecologic and economic problems since 2011. Sargassum biomass valorization could compensate for economic losses and reduce environmental impacts. The production of biofuels could be one of its applications. This research consists of two stages: (a) the physical-energy characterization: morphology, humidity, ash, volatiles, and calorific value, and (b) an estimate of the energy potential of these algae, considering their removal from 600 kilometers of coastline along the Mexican Caribbean coast. An analysis of sustainability indicators considering socioeconomic aspects shows the benefits of using this resource in comparison with other types of low-cost biofuels that produce low environmental impact. The results show the pertinence of using Sargassum spp. as an alternative energy resource with low cost, low environmental impact, high accessibility, and added value for localities along the Mexican Caribbean.

The relationships between environmental conditions and parallel ecosystems on the coastal dunes of the Mexican Caribbean

Coastal dunes are very important, for both their ecosystem services and their ecological importance. A quantification of the area occupied by dunes was made for all of the Mexican Caribbean coast, and a qualification was assigned, according to the type of dune, its height and condition. 4981 ha of coastal dunes were identified on the coast, with heights of 1 to more than 10 m above mean sea level. Offshore wave climate was evaluated, showing relatively constant characteristics all along the coast. Aeolian drift potential was calculated and was found to be unrelated to the height of the dunes. The empirical relationship between coastal ecosystems (coral reefs and sea pastures) and the characteristic of the dunes are promising. The interconnectivity of ecosystems adjacent to coastal dunes, such as seagrass, coral reef and mangroves, affects the conditions of incident wave energy and/or the transport and availability of marine sediment. In the Mexican Caribbean, these ecosystems often exist parallel to one another, and their interrelationships could explain the variability of coastal dune height. It was observed that where the coast is protected by a coral barrier reef (less than 1000 m from the shore, with a crest at less than 2 m depth) and seagrasses, the foredunes are lower (under 2 m height) than those in more exposed areas, without coral reef protection (foredune height more than 10 m). A conceptual model was proposed to explain the size of the dunes in the study area, based on the characteristics of adjacent ecosystems (presence, distance from coastline, height of water column above corals and/or seagrasses) and the submerged morphology of the area.

Sargassum landings have not compromised nesting of loggerhead and green sea turtles in the Mexican Caribbean

The Mexican Caribbean is a vital nesting destination for loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles. Since 2015, massive periodical landings of pelagic Sargassum species (sargasso) have affected coastal ecosystems. Dense accumulations of sargasso on the shoreline may preclude access to sea turtles' preferred nesting areas and compromise hatching. In this study, we assess whether the number of nests and hatches of loggerhead and green sea turtles has been affected by the massive influx of sargasso. We compare data from before (2010–2014) and after (2015–2019) the first sargasso event, obtained from the same 17 marine turtle camps, which collectively account for 72.3 km of sampling distance over a 210 km section of shoreline. No differences in preferences on nesting beaches were recorded between periods for the two species. The mean number of nests per kilometer of coastline remained without statistically significant changes between periods in 16 camps and increased significantly in one camp for each species. Overall, the mean annual number of nests per kilometer of beach was 37% higher in the period after massive landings of sargasso began. The mean number of hatchlings increased significantly in one camp for C. mydas and in three for C. caretta. Periodical massive landings of sargasso from 2015 to 2019 do not appear to have compromised nesting and hatching of loggerhead and green sea turtles along the Mexican Caribbean coast.