Caribbean nations seek profitable uses for sargassum seaweed

Efforts to manage the sargassum seaweed crisis in the Caribbean are focusing on finding economically viable uses for the macroalgae through circular economy models. In the Dominican Republic, Aguie Lendor of Asonahores noted that while research into using sargassum for bricks, blocks, and biomass is ongoing, many applications currently lack the cost-effectiveness required to be profitable. However, progress is being made in biofertilizer production, with companies like SOS Carbón already marketing products and the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo conducting advanced research.

In Mexico, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has implemented a circular economy initiative in Yucatán. The program has repurposed 20,000 tons of sargassum to develop liquid biofertilizers intended for sale to citrus farmers. These efforts aim to transform environmental waste into productive bio-inputs, though experts suggest that involving the fishing sector more deeply could strengthen future strategies.