As Sargassum seaweed continues to wash ashore, Caribbean countries face complex challenges balancing environmental and economic impacts. The phenomenon has garnered widespread attention, particularly as it threatens vital industries such as tourism while simultaneously creating habitats beneficial to local fisheries. New research by The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) is shedding light on the economic, environmental, and biodiversity implications of these recurring influxes and how regional adaptations might help mitigate their impact.
The SargAdapt Project: Adapting to Sargassum Influxes
Under the SargAdapt project, which began in 2019, CERMES has been working with Barbados and other Eastern Caribbean nations, including Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to develop strategies to adapt to and reduce the impacts of Sargassum. This initiative, funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, provides insights into how these countries might respond to Sargassum events without compromising marine biodiversity or economic stability.
The Tourism Dilemma
One aspect of the research, led by CERMES postgraduate student Jeanelle Irvine, investigated the effects of Sargassum on tourism in Barbados. Through a survey conducted at high-traffic tourist locations, researchers found that while many tourists did not encounter significant Sargassum during their visit, increased seaweed deposits could influence their likelihood of returning. This survey, conducted in 2022, revealed that hypothetical increases in Sargassum led to growing concerns among visitors about beach quality, potentially impacting Barbados’s tourism revenue by up to 40,000 visitors annually if Sargassum volumes remain unaddressed.
Environmental Impact on Fisheries
PhD student Kristie Alleyne led a critical part of the study focusing on the biodiversity associated with Sargassum mats. Through underwater surveys, Alleyne’s team identified species closely linked to these floating habitats, including commercially valuable fish species essential to local fisheries. Their findings underscore the importance of responsible management practices that can balance beach clearing efforts with biodiversity preservation, allowing the region to protect both its tourism and fisheries sectors.
Mapping Hazard Zones and Improving Response
CERMES research assistant Micaela Small developed the first Sargassum Inundation Hazard Mapping system for Barbados. By analyzing satellite and spatial data, Small’s mapping project provides a valuable planning tool for environmental managers in the Caribbean. This resource aims to help officials anticipate Sargassum impacts more effectively, offering a foundation for exposure analysis, impact assessments, and vulnerability mapping to support more resilient adaptation strategies.
Investigating Growth Patterns of Sargassum
In a complementary study, CERMES MPhil student Makeda Corbin examined the growth patterns of three Sargassum morphotypes, focusing on the effects of temperature on growth rates. The findings suggest that certain morphotypes, such as Sargassum fluitans III, can double their biomass within two weeks, highlighting the potential for rapid growth under specific environmental conditions. Corbin’s work offers new insights into Sargassum’s resilience, aiding in predictions of biomass growth and informing mitigation approaches.
Advancing Regional Resilience through Research
As the Sargassum issue grows in scope and impact, CERMES’s research offers essential perspectives on adaptation and resilience in the Caribbean. By combining environmental science, tourism impact studies, and fisheries management, the SargAdapt project equips the region with knowledge to address one of its most pressing ecological challenges, fostering sustainable practices that protect both ecosystems and economies across the Eastern Caribbean.
