Can you give me the results from this topic and responses from other member? I just needthe results- Topic: The invasion of Sargassum Seaweed in Saint Lucia: Causes, Impacts and Sustainable Responses to a growing environmental crisis. Answer: Sargassum is a form of brown algae that can be found on the surface of the sea providing a source of nutrients, habitat and protection for many marine species. While it is essential for the maintenance of healthy biodiversity, large scale blooms known as harmful agal blooms that negatively impact ecosystems along the shoreline, economic growth and public health. In the past, the bulk of sargassum was found in the Sargasso Sea in the Western North Atlantic. In 2011, new populations of sargassum caused by shifting wind patterns started flourishing in the open ocean and is referred to as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, transporting a tremendous amount into the Caribbean Sea (US Department of Commerce, 2024). Since then, St. Lucia’s beaches have been experiencing yearly seaweed invasions affecting the tourism sector, fishing sector and pressuring ecosystems along the coast. Communities such as Dennery, L’Anse Capitaine, Micoud, Praslin, Sandy Beach, and Savannes Bay, have been among the hardest hit (Sargassum Information Hub, 2022). This report argues that the periodic sargassum invasion is a serious environmental issue in St. Lucia that is caused by climate changes and oceanic shifts leading to critical economic, ecological and social disturbances requiring long term solutions embedded in sustainability, community resilience and regional collaboration. It aims to provide an understanding of the issue by taking a look at various sources, to examine current actions being taken to mitigate the problem and to suggest practical, long term sustainable solutions to help St. Lucia deal with sargassum. Our findings are intended to raise awareness and to inform policy makers, government leaders and educators seeking long term solutions to this ongoing environmental crisis. 3.0 Literature review
3.1 Introduction
Since 2011 there has been an unprecedented influx of Sargassum seaweed primarily in the Northern Atlantic region. Over the years its growth has been shifted by wind patterns to the Caribbean Sea where it is thriving and invading the water body in Saint Lucia. Sargassum seaweed has become a major environmental issue which is impacting aquatic life, climate change, the tourism industry and the livelihoods of St. Lucians.
3.2 Cause of Sargassum Seaweed invasion
Sargassum seaweed has been studied extensively over the past few decades. An article from University of South Florida, (2025) has identified what they term as the tipping point which outlines when researchers discovered the cause of seaweed inundations in the Caribbean. The article stated that scientists have theorised that from the period of 2009-2010 Sargassum was pushed southwardly by currents during the North Atlantic Oscillation. As the years progressed the growth and spread of Sargassum are being driven by several physical and nutrient-related factors. These include climate change, shifting wind and ocean current patterns, warmer sea surface temperatures, increased iron from Saharan dust, and nutrient runoff from rivers, sewage, and fertilizers (Japan International Cooperation Agency & Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, 2019). The Saint Lucia Times reported in 2024 that fishermen in the region of Dennery noticed an increase in seaweed in 2011 (St Luce, 2024). This confirms the speculation of scientists about the migration and growth of the algae towards the Caribbean Sea.
3.3 Summary of Impact of Sargassum
Decomposing Sargassum releases hydrogen sulphide and causes oxygen depletion and eutrophication which threaten the health of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems (Japan International Cooperation Agency & Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, 2019). St Luce (2024) interviewed members of the fishing community in Dennery St. Lucia and the unanimous concern was that the excessive growth of seaweed is impacting the coastal and marine ecosystems and economy. The concerns ranged from reduced access to fishing grounds, depleting fish yields and damaged gear due to entanglement. The fishermen reported seeing a decrease in sea crab and deterioration of the coral reefs. These Sargassum influxes have affected fisherfolks through loss of livelihoods and economic opportunities. Nonetheless the local community is doing what they can to lessen the impact. In Saint Lucia, anecdotal and governmental reports note degradation of key ecosystems in Vieux Fort, Dennery, and Micoud, where Sargassum tends to accumulate. This event has triggered concerns within the tourism industry as hotels and resorts were the first to acknowledge the Sargassum problem. They saw their tourist destinations taking the hit from a 32% reduction in occupancy and loss of reputation as the unsightly matter has led to beach closures (The Ocean Cleaner – SAS, 2024).
3.4 Innovative and sustainable uses
Japan International Cooperation Agency & Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (2019) conducted a field mission in Saint Lucia and it was noted that further pilot projects should be conducted to identify special boats, equipment for deflection, and methods for collection and transport of Sargassum. Over the years individuals have attempted to use rake and manpower with backhoes to remove the rotting plant. However, to date the Sargaboat was created to collect sargassum from the waters before it washes ashore (The Ocean Cleaner – SAS, 2024). Additionally, an enthusiastic team of environmentalistic designed and implemented a floating barrier that collects the debris which is then transported by boats. The public and government are suffering from the impact and as such entrepreneurs in Saint Lucia are harvesting the smelly seaweed and turning it into plant fertilizer or compost and using the pulp fibre extract to make paper (Silverstein, 2024 & Silverstein, 2024). This initiative will lessen the carbon footprint, prevent deforestation and toxic runoff while creating jobs, boosting the economy while remaining environmentally friendly. Additionally, the Department of Fisheries has been investigating the issue and they are drafting a programme under the Blue Economy Initiative to research these environmental challenges (St Luce, 2024).
3.5 Gap in literature
The economic losses associated with these events have not been quantified and calculated. Quantitative studies on how long affected reefs and seagrass habitats take to recover are limited. Furthermore, limited data exists about the health impact prolonged exposure to the toxic fumes have in the human body. Another gap identified is to assess the accumulation of toxins within the aquatic animals and they are safe for consumption.
- 0 Methodology Qualitative research methods anchored in secondary data analysis were used to investigate the causes, impacts and sustainable responses to the sargassum crisis in St. Lucia. This methodology was structured to give a proper understanding of the problem by using well sourced, scientific literature.
Data Collection Data was collected using peer reviewed scholarly sources, news outlets as well as regional documentation. The scholarly sources provided scientific data into the factors causing algal blooms, while news outlets provided up to date information on the effects those algal blooms have on the community, industries and government responses. Regional documentation provided frameworks for making policies, national strategies and goals surrounding sustainable development. This form of data collection ensures that the issue is properly defined.