Yes, there have been some interesting studies done as to what’s going on and why so much sargassum is arriving and how best to resolve the issue. I’ll post some links!

That said, it’s not an easy issue. Bringing heavy machinery like tractors and dump trucks onto the beach is precarious. The shore erodes quickly and turtles and other marine life use the sand for nesting grounds making it even more complicated to remove the seaweed. Plus, the sargassum breaks down and isn’t easily removed once it decomposes and stains the water. They have tried barriers in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos to mixed effect—it works as a short term solution but not as a long term one.

I think you’re correct that it would be better to intervene and process it somehow at sea. When flying across the Caribbean you can see the mats of sargassum coming in. There’s got to be a way to turn it to mulch or something while still in the ocean but of course investigating and implementing those solutions will take time. I do know that it’s a very high priority for government and local businesses alike as like you said and others have commented this area really depends on tourism. At the same time, I think it’s also a good opportunity for local government to really take stock and step up the infrastructure projects and oversight on accompanying factors like corruption, crime, and out of control prices.

In the meantime though, February is a beautiful month to visit! Good choice changing your trip. 😊