Eastern Caribbean must develop sea moss, sargassum sectors

Ambassador Colin Murdoch has told the United Nations that sea moss and sargassum can provide avenues for increased economic development and must be developed by countries in the Eastern Caribbean.

Murdoch, who serves the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), recently made the statement while delivering the keynote address at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 7th BioTrade Congress.

He emphasised the current challenges caused by the surge in sargassum which plagues the coastlines of OECS countries and ruins the aesthetics that is needed for tourism.

At the same time, he highlighted the need for OECS Member States to explore the development of their blue economies, which include sea moss and sargassum. The Eastern Caribbean remains a rich source of unpolluted sea moss, which is valued globally at USD $2.58 billion.

And though sargassum is a nuisance to many, it can be used in a variety of ways, such as in fertilizer, animal feed, or as a renewable energy source. There are currently a few organizations experimenting with the plant in the Eastern Caribbean but its potential remains largely untapped.

While encouraging the OECS countries to develop the seaweed industries, Murdoch said they should ensure they don’t repeat historic patterns where they export raw materials and reimport the finished products which are higher in value.

The UN BioTrade Congress is a global event that unites trade and biodiversity experts and practitioners for a high-level exchange on key issues concerning the links between trade and biodiversity.

This year’s Congress focused on the BioTrade for the sea moss and sargassum value chains.