Willemstad – Scientists, students, government representatives, fishermen, and other stakeholders gathered this month in Curaçao to share one clear message: we now know enough about Sargassum – it is time to take real action.
Sargassum: A Growing Problem for the Region
The workshop took place on May 8 at the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Institute (CARMABI) and was organized in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Discussions focused on the increasing amounts of Sargassum seaweed polluting beaches throughout the Caribbean. This issue causes major inconvenience, foul odors, environmental damage, and serious challenges for the tourism industry.
Enough Research – Now It’s Time to Act
Participants at the workshop agreed: we have gathered sufficient knowledge. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on Sargassum. Now is the time to translate that knowledge into concrete actions.
According to experts, there are two key strategies to address the problem. First: intercept the seaweed at sea, before it reaches the shore. And if it does wash ashore, it must be removed quickly and carefully from beaches to minimize environmental damage.
Barriers at Sea and Smart Technology
Professor Linda Amaral-Zettler of NIOZ explained that some countries are already using floating barriers at sea to block Sargassum. "That is much better than waiting for it to pile up on the beach," she said.
With the help of satellite imagery and ocean current data, it is also possible to better predict where Sargassum will drift. This allows islands to better prepare and intervene in time.
Regional Students Working Together
The workshop also marked the conclusion of a four-week Sargassum course. Ten students from Curaçao, Jamaica, Barbados, Mexico, Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands participated. They first spent ten days at sea aboard the Dutch research vessel Pelagia, followed by hands-on practical sessions at CARMABI.
"The goal of this course and workshop was to connect young researchers with people and organizations in the region. This way, we can work together on solutions," said Amaral-Zettler.
Cross-Border Collaboration
The workshop also emphasized the importance of stronger regional cooperation. Sargassum does not respect national borders. What happens at sea near one island can cause problems at another island days later. Therefore, it is crucial to share information and work together.
For islands like Curaçao, it is important that small, local projects receive support, as these can later be scaled up if proven successful.
CARMABI as a Bridge Between Science and Practice
CARMABI aims to serve as a bridge between scientists and the local community. By translating complex knowledge into practical solutions, the organization helps fishermen, businesses, and governments find effective ways forward. In this way, CARMABI contributes to plans that both protect nature and help people sustain their livelihoods.
"Now that I’ve gained all this knowledge, I want to return to Jamaica to help there – and hopefully contribute to the entire region," said Matthew-Pierre Rogers, a student from Jamaica.
About the Workshop
The workshop was made possible with support from the Dutch National Decade Committee, as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and received financial support from the NWO Caribbean Research Program. In total, ten students and four lecturers from seven countries participated, several of them from countries directly affected by the Sargassum problem.
Press Release: Time for Action: International Sargassum Workshop Held in Curaçao