Virtual Expert Group Meeting on the Assessment of sargassum value chains in Caribbean Small Island Developing States

Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are increasingly affected by recurrent and large-scale influxes of sargassum, which have intensified in frequency and magnitude in recent years. These events exert significant pressure on coastal ecosystems, fisheries and tourism-dependent economies, while impacting water quality, marine habitats and the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. The resulting effects pose substantial risks to sustainable development and economic stability across the region.

Current responses have been predominantly reactive, focusing on post-landing clean-up operations. While these measures provide short-term relief, they remain resource-intensive and limited to address the scale, drivers and transboundary nature of sargassum influxes.

There is growing recognition of the need for more proactive, integrated and science-based management approaches, including enhanced monitoring and forecasting, strengthened regional cooperation, sustainable harvesting practices and the potential valorisation of sargassum.

This study assesses existing and potential sargassum value chains across five Caribbean SIDS case studies, with the aim of identifying key constraints to scaling and informing policy actions. Findings indicate that current collection costs are high, limiting the economic viability of value-added applications without significant efficiency improvements or public sector support. The results underscore policy implications for Caribbean SIDS in relation to both sargassum management and valorisation strategies.