Project description

Sargassum influxes pose significant environmental and economic threats to the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. This project aims to develop a comprehensive early warning system to detect, predict, and monitor these influxes, enabling timely and effective disaster risk management. The project will help us better predict where sargassum will go and its effects using advanced satellite detection, numerical modeling, and in-situ monitoring through fixed cameras and citizen science stations.

In addition to the technical components, the project emphasizes environmental education and community involvement. The project aims to foster local engagement and resilience by incorporating citizen science and outreach activities, turning affected communities into active participants in monitoring and managing sargassum influxes. This interdisciplinary approach bridges physical and social sciences, promoting sustainable coastal management and proactive decision-making to mitigate the adverse effects of sargassum on coastal ecosystems and economies.
 

Short Bio

I am Professor of Coastal and Ocean Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Sisal, Yucatan. My work integrates hydrodynamics, wave propagation, sediment transport, and coastal management, focusing on understanding the impacts of climate change and extreme events such as hydrometeorological hazards and massive seaweed beachings. I lead interdisciplinary projects blending numerical modeling with field measurements, emphasizing sustainable development and enhancing community preparedness and safety.