630km Oil Spill Hits Gulf of Mexico Coast

An estimated 630 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico have been affected by a major oil spill, according to local environmental organizations in Mexico.

Greenpeace México reported that oil slicks began appearing in early March along the coasts of Tabasco and southern Veracruz, before spreading across a wide stretch of shoreline.

Environmental groups say the contamination has impacted nearly the entire coral corridor in the southwestern Gulf, extending from Tamiahua Lagoon to the municipality of Paraíso in Tabasco, damaging critical coastal ecosystems.

⚠️ Así se ve seguir apostando por los combustibles fósiles. ⚠️

Seguir dependiendo de los combustibles fósiles tiene consecuencias, y este derrame petrolero en el Golfo de México es una prueba de ello. pic.twitter.com/1nwrSDgnNy

— Greenpeace México (@greenpeacemx) March 26, 2026

Activists warn that the spill is already affecting biodiversity and coastal communities, particularly fishermen, while threatening marine species such as sea turtles, dolphins, pelicans, and manatees, as well as sensitive mangrove habitats.

To document the damage, an interactive map has been created, allowing residents and activists to track pollution levels across beaches, lagoons, and marine waters, as well as monitor wildlife conditions and cleanup efforts. Data suggests that many affected areas remain neglected or are being cleaned solely through local community initiatives.

In a joint statement, several Mexican environmental groups called on authorities to explain why the highest level of emergency response was not activated in time, and to disclose those responsible for the spill along with compensation measures.

They added that the oil slick, believed to have originated from a vessel near the Akal-C platform, covered an area of approximately 50 square kilometers and may have occurred between February 11 and 17.

Authorities reported that around 128 tons of oil have been recovered so far during cleanup operations. However, the source of the spill has not yet been officially confirmed, drawing criticism over a lack of transparency and delays in the official response.