Once dismissed as an environmental nuisance, a threat to Caribbean tourism and fisheries, and a dire consequence of climate change, sargassum seaweed is now making waves in a completely different way – this time, as a lucrative opportunity.
It is fueling innovation and entrepreneurship, with scientists and young business minds transforming the floating phenomenon into business ventures.
The UWI Cave Hill has been at the forefront of these efforts. Building on the success of its inaugural Sargassum Symposium in 2015, the campus hosted a second regional conference three years later that delved deeper into the challenges and opportunities.
Among the most exciting success stories was that of Cave Hill graduates Kemar Codrington and Mikhail Eversley, who were turning sargassum into beauty and personal care products. Under the mentorship of award-winning chemist Dr. Srinivasa Popuri, they developed an innovative cosmetic product derived from the algae, which has potential for industries like food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
“The seaweed has been washing up in ever-increasing quantities since 2011, and people have just been throwing their hands in the air,” Eversley said. “I didn’t like it at first, but when Dr. Popuri showed us its potential, we recognized its many uses.”
Initially hesitant, Eversley eventually joined Codrington in launching Oasis Laboratories in 2018. The company produces biodegradable products using local plants and natural resources. Their growing product line includes soaps, body butters, and soon, lotions, scrubs, shower gels, and more.
“We created two brands,” Codrington explained. “‘Ocean’ raises awareness about ocean conservation, and ‘Nature’s Melanin’ celebrates natural beauty using Caribbean ingredients like breadfruit and tamarind. We wanted to be different—staying true to our roots and keeping things natural.”
Their soaps, like Carlisle Bay Bath and Body Soap with Sargassum and Tamarind Ball Soap Bar, drew eager customers.
Beyond business, Oasis Laboratories aims to inspire young innovators, preserve Caribbean heritage, promote sustainability, and educate others. “Our packaging is plastic-free, and our products contain no harmful chemicals,” Eversley noted.
By transforming an ecological challenge into an economic opportunity, Codrington and Eversley are proving that sargassum is more than just seaweed.
