The ocean ‘was the color of chocolate’: Mexico mobilizes against sargassum

Mexico is stepping up its response to massive sargassum blooms, pledging $115 million to combat seaweed washing onto its Caribbean coast. Officials estimate as much as 9,000 tons can arrive daily on the worst days, while collection capacity is about 1,200 tons. The brown algae can turn turquoise water dark, rot on beaches and release a foul smell, deterring visitors and harming tourism businesses. Researchers say large blooms are appearing and growing locally, raising concerns that the crisis may persist.