In response to the growing economic impact of the recurring Sargassum seaweed influx, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture convened a meeting on Friday, May 9th, 2025, among members and interested national vested parties. The Meeting was Chaired by Chamber Membership Development Officer, Ms. Kamille Huggins.
In attendance were Government Agencies including the Ministries of Commerce and Tourism, Department of Fisheries, Department of Sustainable Development, the National Conservation Authority and the OECS Commission, to name a few.
The Chamber had convened the dialogue primarily so its members who were being impacted could share experiences and responses, and identify some of the challenges, actions and possible approaches that could be adopted to minimize effects on their businesses.
The Fisheries Department spoke about the impact of Sargassum on marine life and noted that Sargassum affects the availability of certain fish species and disrupts fishing activity by blocking access to fishing grounds.
Of particular concern for the fisheries sector are the changes in ecosystem dynamics, reduced access to traditional fishing areas for fisherfolk, and the potential for anoxic conditions—a lack of oxygen in the water caused when Sargassum dies—which can result in fish kills.
Participants agreed that a national and multi-pronged response is required to address the issue holistically. This approach must balance the need for environmental protection with immediate cleanup operations in affected coastal areas. The OECS Commission shared that it is actively pursuing regional initiatives, including pilot projects to valorize Sargassum.
The Department of Fisheries advised that while it is not currently equipped to manage boom deployment technology, it is reviewing international best-practice to help inform national decision-making. Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has confirmed its support through funding a feasibility study focused on deploying and maintaining booms and other mitigation tools. Additionally, the UNDP has donated removal equipment, which is not yet on island.
Data from the French territories reveal that while Sargassum decomposition produces gas emissions in Saint Lucia, the levels recorded do not pose a health hazard. Stakeholders called for these findings to be made publicly accessible.
Attendees also made reference to private sector initiatives involving the conversion of Sargassum into fertilizer, which faced several challenges and did not get sufficient support. Other ideas discussed included its use in biogas production and the development of building materials. The Chamber was pleased to have convened this dialogue and pledges to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with the key public sector agencies to support, where it can, a national response.