SARSEA - Sargassum Regional Strategies for ecosystem-based Actions

The Caribbean is affected by massive flows of sargassum leading to accumulation on the coasts. The decomposition of stranded sargassum leads to the degradation of coastal ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs), an excess mortality of marine biodiversity, accelerated coastal erosion and soil pollution due in particular to the presence of heavy metals. The massive influx of sargassum also threatens key economic sectors (tourism, fishing), as well as the health and welfare of coastal populations (emission of toxic gases during decomposition).

The consequences of these strandings require a concerted management of public and private actors and innovative solutions to protect these fragile ecosystems and riparian communities.

SARSEA is a project funded by AFD, which aims to minimize and limit the negative impacts of stranded sargassum on local economies, communities and coastal ecosystems.

To achieve this, the project has three areas of operation:

1. Strengthen regional cooperation in the Caribbean on sargassum planning and management approaches, contributing to raise international awareness of the issue
2. Support small island states of the Caribbean to implement integrated sargassum management and valorisation operations
3. Foster regional scientific cooperation to improve overall understanding of the sargassum phenomenon and support the development of research based public policies.

The project also includes a cross cutting gender outcome, aiming to mainstream gender in the integrative management operations of sargassum.

Beneficiaries will help consolidate international treatment of sargassum issues through the strengthening of decision-makers' skills and access to data on sargassum impacts on local ecosystems, communities and economies.

Through improved planning of sargassum management operations and structuring of value chains, public actors, private actors and communities are encouraged to cooperate from the early stages of detection to recovery of sargassum, thus contributing to the implementation of a circular economy.

Strengthening a scientific network, contributing to research efforts and disseminating guidance notes to public decision-makers enable scientists, experts and government authorities to improve their knowledge of sargassum phenomena.