Sargassum influxes have been a bane to the Caribbean since 2011. These massive inundations have been causing adverse effects on national and regional economies in the Caribbean, with substantial losses of livelihoods and economic opportunities, primarily in the fisheries and tourism sectors.

In 2020, the CRFM entered into a multi-year collaborative agreement with the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR), to address Sargassum influxes in affected Caribbean countries through the project titled, “Developing Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience in the Caribbean.” PFR and the CRFM have been collaborating to explore the creation of new technologies and value chains from marine biomass, particularly Sargassum. The CRFM and Plant and Food Research Limited are collaborating to develop suitable prototype products from Sargassum for commercial use, for the safe and total utilization of Sargassum biomass, possibly as a liquid fertilizer and compost to bolster agriculture.

This seminar will build awareness and understanding of the work done to date in the Caribbean to mitigate the impacts of Sargassum inundations on Caribbean countries through the development of sustainable and innovative value chains, while strengthening partnerships and building synergies with other institutions and initiatives addressing the problem. We hope it will also enhance our efforts to maximize the opportunities that exist to strengthen the region’s ocean economy.

This event is part of the 

CRFM Twentieth Anniversary

SEMINAR SERIES 

@ CARIBBEAN WEEK OF AGRICULTURE