Sustainable Sargassum Removal

The accumulation of sargassum on the Mexican Caribbean coastlines has been a problem since 2011. The increase in the population of sargassum is due to human intervention, such as the use of fertilizers, deforestation, and chemical runoffs from other countries in the Atlantic Ocean, which creates a nutrient-rich environment for sargassum growth. The accumulation of sargassum creates problems for the ecosystem and the tourism industry. Hotels lose revenue as the decaying sargassum releases organic matter and a sulfuric smell, causing headaches and nausea among tourists. Efforts to remove sargassum have been insufficient, and improper disposal of the algae risks polluting underground water sources. In addition, sargassum workers are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals and harsh environments. Sargassum, however, has the potential to be used in different consumer products, offering a solution to repurpose the algae and create a sustainable alternative. Mobula offers to gather vast amounts of sargassum from the open sea and ferry it to a land-based plant facility through autonomous means for the purpose of converting it into biofuel. This turns a problem into an opportunity for a green initiative in the local region.