BASSETERRE: St. Kitts and Nevis faces ongoing challenges from sargassum seaweed influxes, which have impacted beaches, marine ecosystems, and local economies since 2011. At the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2025, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, The Hon. Samal Duggins, participated in sessions addressing these issues, focusing on potential strategies for mitigation and utilization.
“The discussions explored how we can turn the sargassum challenge into real opportunity: from developing safe and circular biostimulants that boost agriculture, to creating new markets and value chains, and even training our fisherfolk to be part of this transformation,” Minister Duggins said.
Minister Duggins attended the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) High-Level Meeting and the Sargassum Seminar, titled “From Sargassum to Biostimulant: Sowing Change.” Discussions centered on converting sargassum into usable resources, such as biostimulants for agriculture — processed seaweed products that could enhance crop yields by providing nutrients.
Other topics included developing value chains for markets in cosmetics and biofuels, as well as training programs for fisherfolk in safe harvesting techniques.
“These exchanges reaffirmed my belief that with the right partnerships and investment in science, we can convert obstacles into engines of growth, protecting our marine spaces, strengthening food security, and empowering our people,” Duggins said.
The minister noted risks associated with unprocessed sargassum, including contamination from heavy metals and pathogens, which can contribute to beach erosion and reduced fish stocks. He emphasized the role of partnerships and scientific investment in managing these challenges, stating that such efforts could support marine protection, food security, and economic opportunities.
The CRFM pegged total regional cleanup expenses at a staggering $120 million back in 2018’s record bloom — the benchmark for understanding the crisis’s economic bite. Fast-forward to recent years, and reports suggest costs have ballooned further; a 2024 analysis estimated up to $210 million annually across the Caribbean, factoring in labor, equipment, and lost revenue from fouled beaches.