Sargassum Seaweed Raises Concerns in the Virgin Islands; Government Takes Steps to Mitigate Impact

The presence of sargassum seaweed has once again become a cause for concern among members of the Virgin Islands community, particularly those involved in the tourism industry, fishing, and regular beachgoers.

Mervin Hastings, Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, stated that the Government of the Virgin Islands is actively working to mitigate the sargassum issue. This includes organizing clean-up initiatives, conducting trainings and workshops with stakeholders, and raising public awareness about the problem.

Hastings emphasized that the topic of sargassum is not only a local or regional concern but also a global issue that costs governments millions of dollars to address. He stressed the importance of educating the community and collaborating with regional and international counterparts to find a solution.

Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer II, Argel Horton, explained that the sargassum affecting the territory originates from the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. This belt stretches across 500 miles between Africa and South America. Horton noted that sargassum multiplies rapidly in warm waters, and with the ongoing heat impacting the region, the blooms will continue to affect the territory.

According to satellite tracking, the influx of sargassum will persist, although the volume is expected to be moderate until October 2023. Horton acknowledged that sargassum poses a challenge for the local government but expressed optimism that creative solutions can be found.

Horton highlighted that other Caribbean countries have successfully utilized sargassum to produce various products, such as fertilizers, beauty products, and biofuel. She expressed confidence in the ability of the people to brainstorm and transform sargassum into a valuable commodity.

Earlier this year, representatives from multiple organizations, including the BVI Tourist Board, National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, Unite BVI, and BVI Ports Authority, participated in a two-day training workshop on sargassum management. The workshop, facilitated by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and the University of the West Indies Centre for Resources Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES), aimed to enhance understanding of sargassum’s science, origins, ecological value, adaptive management principles, monitoring techniques, and clean-up and rehabilitation approaches.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is committed to promoting sound stewardship of natural resources by implementing a robust legal framework that encourages environmentally friendly best management practices.