Harnessing sargassum for Caribbean development

At the 45th Annual Conference of the Caribbean, Americas, and Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, held in Antigua and Barbuda in July 2023, much of the discussion focused on hurricanes and crime. However, I urged fellow delegates to consider emerging environmental threats that could significantly impact our tourism and coastal economies—namely, the influx of sargassum seaweed, the spread of white plague coral disease, and the invasion of lionfish.

Just days ago, the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, shared promising news. Despite the disruptive effects of sargassum, she noted that the Government views it as a potential driver of new industries. Speaking during the receipt of specialised collection equipment donated by Japan, Ameen highlighted how local entrepreneurs are already creating export products from sargassum. “One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure,” she said.

This shift—from ecological burden to economic opportunity—demonstrates the potential of innovative governance. Ameen acknowledged that regions on the east coast are especially hard-hit, with fisherfolk, vendors, and tourism operators suffering losses. However, she emphasised the potential for local economic development, noting applications of sargassum in fertilisers, natural plastics, and beauty products.

Historically observed by explorers like Christopher Columbus, sargassum has long floated in the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a vital marine habitat and acting as a carbon sink. However, over the past decade, mass accumulations have stretched from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, now forming the Sargassum Belt, a 5,000-mile expanse. When washed ashore, the seaweed rots, releasing toxic hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, triggering public health concerns such as respiratory infections, nausea, and even pregnancy complications.

In 2024 alone, an estimated 20 million tonnes of sargassum washed up along Atlantic coasts. Florida’s Miami-Dade County spends over US$6 million annually to clean just four beaches. Similar economic costs threaten tourism in Tobago, with iconic spots like Lambeau Beach, Store Bay, Pigeon Point, and Swallows Beach at risk.

Thankfully, Ameen indicated the ministry will collaborate with the Tobago House of Assembly. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine reported that staff and URP workers are helping with clean-ups, but a more proactive approach may be needed—such as installing floating barriers offshore to trap the seaweed before it lands, allowing it to be harvested at sea.

Satellite tracking now allows up to 30 days’ notice of incoming sargassum blooms. This presents an opportunity: mobilising teams early, whether fishers or trained harvesters, can mitigate economic and environmental damage.

CEPEP workers in Trinidad and Tobago, for example, could be trained in sargassum collection. Japanese Ambassador Dr Akima Umezawa, with his marine science background, has shown a strong interest in supporting such initiatives. Japanese companies are already turning sargassum into bioplastics and fertilisers, processing the material in as little as eight days.

International interest is growing. Six days ago, Professor Benjamin Aribisala, director of the Lagos State University Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, emphasised the economic and agricultural potential of sargassum in an interview with The Punch newspaper. His team is developing animal feeds, medicinal products, and even construction materials such as ceiling boards and bricks. He noted that biofuel production and livestock feed alternatives could reduce poverty and boost food security.

However, challenges remain. Sargassum is seasonal, typically appearing for only half the year. As a result, countries like Nigeria are exploring cultivation strategies to ensure year-round supply.

Globally, the sargassum market is now estimated to be worth over US$3 billion annually. Trinidad and Tobago must act swiftly to capitalise on this emerging green economy. By adopting targeted policies—such as tax incentives for green tech investments and training programmes for coastal communities—we can build resilient, sustainable industries.

But this cannot be done in isolation. The fight against sargassum requires a coordinated Caricom response. Compliance with international marine regulations, collaborative removal strategies, and shared research and technology will be vital. For smaller islands, regional collection centres could make operations more cost-effective.

We’re already seeing innovation across the Caribbean. Dr Legena Henry, at the University of the West Indies in Barbados, is using sargassum to produce biofuels. In St Lucia, Johanan Dujon’s Algas Organics converts sargassum into plant tonics and is experimenting with paper production. Grenada’s start-up, SarGas, has developed a biogas digester to turn sargassum into methane, and has future plans to power the local grid.

Furthermore, Caricom governments could offer licenses for sargassum harvesting within their Exclusive Economic Zones, opening the door for more private investment and job creation.

Sargassum may have started as a crisis—but with vision, investment, and regional cooperation, it could become a catalyst for a new era of blue-green economic transformation.