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Sargassum Crisis in Akumal Norte

A Letter from Vecinos President Scott Brown

To Our North Akumal Community,

We are incredibly fortunate to call this little slice of paradise home. But with that privilege comes responsibility—to our environment, our community, our visitors, and ourselves.

This year, Half Moon Bay is facing one of its worst sargassum seasons on record. Piles of rotting seaweed aren’t just an eyesore—they’re a serious environmental threat and the government has declared them an environmental emergency. They block nesting turtles from reaching the sand. They trap baby hatchlings. They damage our coral, marine life, and even property. And… that overpowering smell.  

A few properties have worked tirelessly to clean up… and we thank you. But too many areas remain untouched. The result is hurting all of us.  

Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the negative impacts of this inaction: 

  • Coral death and marine environment degradation 

  • Beach erosion 

  • Corrosive damage to property

  • Hydrogen sulfide exposure, which can impact health of local people and animals.

  • Steep decline in tourism in Half Moon Bay during summer months and reduced rental income

  • Loss of income for local families

Here’s the reality: Summer travel to the Riviera Maya is up. Visitor numbers at Cancún Airport between May–September have grown steadily over the past 10 years.* But in North Akumal, occupancy rates have dropped steeply. Tourists still come to this region—they’re just no longer coming to North Akumal in the summer. 

*Temporary exception in 2020 due to COVID19.  It was followed by strong traveler numbers in the FALL of that same year. Source: ASUR Passenger Traffic 

What Can We Do?

When we act together, great things happen:

  • Our beaches are cleaner and our homes more enjoyable.

  • Our turtles and reefs thrive.

  • Guests stay longer and leave better reviews.

  • We provide economic stability for our community and for the 400+ families who work in North Akumal and rely on it.

I’m re-instating the Vecinos Sargassum Committee for everyone in North Akumal, and I’m inviting all of you to join in the effort.  The Committee will consult with local authorities and sargassum experts to review ALL sargassum management solutions currently available on the market, and establish the most viable solution or the best course of action for Half Moon Bay. 

I’ve already invited two local experts to advise on the Committee:

Héctor Lizárraga, Director of CEA and oceanologist with 30+ years’ experience specializing in algae ecology and taxonomy, aquaculture, fisheries, natural resource protection & conservation, and environmental education & management.

Iván Penie, a coastal management specialist who works with several organizations specializing in the management of sargassum such as Oceanus International, UNAM University, and EcoProteccion Akumal. Iván has contributed to SEMARNAT’s national sargassum guidelines and serves on several boards and working groups, including:  

This is a rare opportunity to work with professionals who personally understand Half Moon Bay, our coastline, and the science behind sargassum.

Let’s Do This—Together

We all know how overwhelming this problem can feel. People have different views, and past disagreements have slowed progress. Now is the time to put that aside and come together to move forward with a sustainable solution.

We are now in Year 10 of this escalating problem in Half Moon Bay. Limited government resources are being focused on public-access beaches in large towns - we are not included. That means the responsibility is ours.

We’re following the lead of other coastal communities who are already organizing successful beach clean-ups and mitigation systems. North Akumal can do the same.

Funding: This will be 100% community-funded through private donations. No Vecinos general funds will be used. We’re happy to assist with fundraising logistics if needed.  

The Time Is Now

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most intense sargassum years we’ve seen. The longer we wait, the worse it gets.   We need you. Property owners, residents, and local businesses… please join the effort. Join the committee. Be part of the solution.

We can turn the tide…together.  

Please reach out me at 

Please join us for the first  Sargasso Committee meeting

  • Saturday, July 12th, 2025

  • 10:00 a.m Akumal Time

  • La Buena Vida in North Akumal.  

(This won't be a short discussion, so please plan to stay a while!)

You can also join on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/7731650806?pwd=R2J1eTRkSFZFYnFVZnFBdUVBWi8zUT09, at 10:00 a.m Akumal Time. 

Meeting ID: 773 165 0806 

Passcode: 7FtLBd 

I look forward to seeing you there, this Saturday!  

Saludos,


Scott Brown
President
Asociación de Vecinos de Akumal Norte, A.C.

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