HMB Sargassum Project

The HMB Sargassum Project was launched in 2019 to figure out how Akumal Norte might best mitigate

the toxic impact of sargassum infestations on marine life in Half Moon Bay and on our local economy. 

After consulting with scientists & engineers (and after researching a wide range of mitigation technologies), project founders concluded that the best solution would be the purchase & installation of a commercial grade sargassum barrier outside the reef of Half Moon Bay.  As long as this barrier reduced the amount of incoming sargassum by at least 70%, they projected that beachfront property owners would be able to affordably manage the remaining 30% that would still wash up on the shore.

 

Project founders launched this website to share their recommendations and to gauge whether the wider community would support a barrier project of this magnitude...and to ensure that beachfront property owners would commit to cleaning the greatly reduced amount of sargassum that might still reach the shore.  The answer, from over 100 donors, was a resounding "YES!!".  By the fall of 2022, we had the funding in hand to proceed with the project and on May 1st, 2023 barrier installation began. 

 

Unfortunately, the 2023 Sargassum Season began earlier than in years past. By the time barrier installation was complete, the beach was already piled high with rotting sargassum. This made it difficult to evaluate barrier performance during year one.  But, as detailed in our 2023 Annual Report, the HMB Sargassum Project is built around key sargassum management directives promulgated by a consortium of environmental agencies in Quintana Roo, all of whom agree that the outlook for 2024 is excellent.

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Ongoing community support for the HMB Sargassum Project demonstrates a commitment to protecting our reef, our beaches and our local economy from the ravages of sargassum infestations.  Together we can create a "Sargassum Free Zone" in our beloved Akumal Norte!  For more information, please visit:

 

the Operations page for data on sargassum deflection and details on barrier operating expenses

the Environment Page for data on turtle nesting and other environmental issues that might be impacted by barrier infrastructure

the Resources Page for a curated list of scientific articles detailing key studies that have been conducted on the toxic impact of sargassum infestations around the world.

 

And most importantly.....

 If you care about protecting our beaches and fragile marine environment, 
please donate TODAY!!