Caribbean nations convene in Cancun to address rising sargassum crisis

The 4th EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum was held in Cancun, bringing together 350 participants from 45 countries and territories to address the growing seaweed crisis in the Caribbean. Co-organized by the European Union and the Mexican government through SEMARNAT, the forum focused on transitioning pilot projects into a coherent regional market for sustainable management and industrial valorization.

Estimates indicate a significant increase in sargassum volumes, with projections rising from 38 million tons in 2025 to an estimated 80 million tons in the following year. This environmental challenge poses a threat to local economies, including tourism, fishing, and transport. In Quintana Roo, studies suggest the presence of sargassum can lead to an 11.6% reduction in local economic activity.

Mexico has proposed an ambitious investment of $2,635 million between 2026 and 2027 to capture seaweed before it reaches shores, expand vessel fleets, and implement barriers. While an initial stage of $768.7 million was presented in July for tugboats and barriers, questions remain regarding the current operational status and effective expenditure of these funds. Other nations, including the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Barbados, are also advancing monitoring and industrialization efforts.