WILLEMSTAD – It is time to start taking action against the problems with sargassum strandings in the Caribbean region, because there is enough scientific knowledge to develop an effective approach. That was the conclusion of the International Sargassum Stakeholder Workshop, where researchers, government officials, NGOs and the private sector came together. They advise an approach focused on two areas: collecting the sargassum early on the open ocean and removing it efficiently from the beaches after stranding.
The workshop took place at CARMABI in Curaçao, on 8 May, and was organized by the CARMABI Foundation in collaboration with the NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Representatives from science, government, NGOs and the private sector came together to set a joint course for tackling the ongoing Sargassum challenges in the Caribbean. The workshop was also the end of a four-week intensive course for students on the topic of Sargassum, bringing together. Scientific insights from countries such as Curaçao, Mexico, Barbados, Canada, the Netherlands and the US were shared, and there is a broad consensus that the time for analysis alone is over – it is time for a coordinated and responsible approach.
Participants underlined that effective control of Sargassum should focus on two main areas: (1) open ocean collection – early interception prevents coastal impact; (2) coastal areas (‘’shore collection’’) – efficient removal minimizes damage to ecosystems and infrastructure. ‘’Clearing Sargassum from coastlines after it strands in not the best option, but you can still prevent it from stranding even when it is closer to the coast via booms. Several countries are using this approach,’ says Prof. dr. Linda Amaral-Zettler, UvA course director and NIOZ scientist.
Modelling techniques, including satellite detection, ocean current analysis and real-time data, will play a key role in determining where, when and how Sargassum can be captured. This knowledge is essential to operate efficiently and limit ecosystem damage, including protecting iconic species like the sea turtles that seek Sargassum as a protective haven in open waters.
“The goal of our workshop that was the conclusion of a four-week intensive course on the topic was to bring together the next generation of scientists with local stakeholders and international experts and translate their findings into actionable solutions” said Linda Amaral-Zettler.
The need for international agreements was emphasized repeatedly. Cross-border cooperation is crucial for a successful approach, with an eye for local and international legal frameworks and ecological stipulations. It is necessary to support small-scale initiatives and scale them up in phases based on experience and evaluation.
What does this mean for our beaches, our local economy, or our communities?
If translated into concrete action, these findings could help prevent the worst impacts of Sargassum, protect livelihoods and nature, and strengthen regional cooperation.
CARMABI serves as a bridge between science and local solutions by translating complex research into practical strategies for coastal communities, working closely with local stakeholders, fishermen, and policymakers to implement nature-based solutions that protect both livelihoods and ecosystems.
Finally, it was acknowledged that the impact of Sargassum differs greatly from country to country. From small islands in the Caribbean to coastal countries in the Americas, each region faces unique social, environmental and economic challenges. A sustainable and just solution can only be achieved through regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.
“Now it is time to take what I have learned and build on it to help Jamaica and the wider Caribbean in whatever way possible” echoes Matthew-Pierre Rogers, a Jamaican-native and student participant in the workshop and course.
