The Caribbean has now reached a record-breaking sargassum volume —38 million tonnes in May alone, with more expected in June.

Due to this, Saint Lucia is ramping up its response to the worsening sargassum crisis, with key discussions, foreign support and cleanup initiatives underway.

This comes as the seaweed invades even previously unaffected coastlines and the fishing industry, which has reported that sargassum is now blocking fishing grounds and reducing fish stocks, while decaying algae emits toxic gases.

The United Nations Development Programme has committed its assistance, including feasibility studies on sargassum reuse and specialised removal equipment to help clear the island’s shorelines.

According to the UNDP’s website, the Project for Improving National Sargassum Management Capabilities in the Caribbean, funded by Japan, has invested USD12.3 million in the region to strengthen efforts to collect, remove, and dispose of sargassum.