The community-led sargassum mitigation effort at Half Moon Bay continues to move forward as local partners work toward a long-term solution for seasonal seaweed arrivals.
The project focuses on reducing the amount of sargassum entering the bay rather than relying solely on daily beach cleanups. The primary strategy is an offshore floating barrier designed to redirect sargassum before it reaches the shoreline, while ongoing cleanups address residual seaweed during peak periods.
Progress has taken longer than originally expected due to permitting, legal reviews, and logistical challenges. During this time, independent environmental assessments by Mexican authorities found no evidence of harm to coral reefs or sea turtle nesting areas, allowing the project to continue.
The project is funded through community contributions and managed by a local nonprofit. While unexpected costs slowed deployment in 2024, fundraising efforts are close to supporting full installation.
Looking ahead, the goal is to have the system fully deployed and tested during upcoming sargassum seasons. While no solution can eliminate sargassum entirely, this initiative represents a proactive and environmentally responsible approach to protecting Half Moon Bay.
Have questions about beach conditions or planning a stay on Half Moon Bay? Contact us and our local team will be happy to help.