Along the scenic coastline near Mahahual town in the Mexican Caribbean, a stunning beach unveils the different stages of sargassum, evident through color changes as it reaches land and begins to decompose.
The sargasso, a macroalgae crucial for providing food and shelter to various marine species, has brought issues due to abnormal growth in the Sargasso Sea. When it reaches shorelines and begins to decompose, it poses a challenge to coastal ecosystems.
A portrait of Manuela drawing water from her well. She, along with her husband Florentino, chose to make a home in Sian Ka'an, seeking a tranquil way of life.
Women prepare a meal with the day's catch in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.
Victor López transports a pallet. The family frequently repurposes coastal debris in good condition. Photo by Manuela Torres.
A team of divers prepares for work in Mahahual, a small town in southern Quintana Roo. The outboard motors frequently suffer damage due to the persistent influx of sargasso.
Florentino Bellos searches for fishing spots as he navigates the boat. Photo by Deisy Ek Xool.
Juan Tuz plunges into the sea; aiming to secure a daily fish catch for his family's meals. Arriving during the pandemic from Chetumal; he had to acquire the skill of fishing to contribute to his family's support
Juan Tuz and Chapatin collect freshly caught sardines. Photo by Jesús López.
Deisy Ek Xool gently picks up a baby bird that fell from a palm tree, caring for it since the incident. Within Sian Ka'an, animals thrive in their natural, free-roaming habitat.
Spending hours observing various tropical birds is one of the favorite activities of the elders. Photo by Florentino Bellos.
Samuel and Jesus López sit outside their home in Sian Ka'an.
Friends gather for a Sunday meal featuring fresh fish. Photo by Samuel López.
Marcos Aviles, the land caretaker, inspects the coastline-collected garbage. Every Sunday, locals convene to clear debris from the beach, depositing it here for recycling. The ongoing challenge persists as waste from various countries continues to wash ashore daily.
Approaching the sargasso, a scene unfolds with piles of ocean-driven debris originating from over 60 countries. This accumulation highlights the far-reaching environmental impact of indiscriminate waste disposal.
Juan Tuz landed in this community during the pandemic, a decision made by his mom to impart valuable life lessons. As a teenager, he's aspiring to become a musician, crafting his own lyrics.
Local activist Victor Rosales tends to the shoreline, making minimal adjustments before releasing loggerhead baby turtles. The sargasso remains in place, as the turtles require readjustment to this environment.