In 2023, the Ministry of the Navy applied to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit score for funds to buy 14 new vessels to fight the huge arrival of sargassum to the Quinta Roo’s coasts.
Consequently, the federal government deposited US$ 738,945.20 between August and December 2023. Which means 14 new ships must begin operations in 2024.
Till final 12 months, the Quintana Roo Navy had one ocean-going, 11 coastal, and 13 smaller vessels, the latter of which had already accomplished their life cycle.
“These smaller vessels have been key for sargassum assortment since they’ve particular traits to gather the algae close to restricted areas the place coastal vessels don’t have entry because of their dimensions,” an announcement reads.
Nonetheless, of the 13 ships accessible, three have been decommissioned. Specialists have decided that it’s inconceivable to maintain them in service because the helmets pose a threat to the personnel working them.
Of the remaining 10 ships, three work at 50% capability as a result of their gunwales are low and they don’t seem to be optimum for sargassum assortment. Moreover, they don’t have ample loading capability.
The remaining seven are working at 50% of their loading capability, to not point out they’ve already reached the tip of their life cycle.
Which means SEMAR can be combating sargassum with a number of restrictions till the brand new ships are operational.
“This causes the uncollected sargassum to decompose, polluting marine wildlife, posing a threat to human well being and native ecosystems.” “When it rots, it releases acid, arsenic and different poisonous substances that result in the dying of many turtles, octopuses and fish,” in accordance with a doc despatched to the Ministry of Finance.
It has not but been introduced from which month of this 12 months the brand new vessels will be a part of the combat in opposition to sargassum.
