Grenada is implementing a multifaceted national strategy to address the mounting challenge of seasonal sargassum seaweed influxes while simultaneously creating economic value from this environmental phenomenon. The initiative represents a paradigm shift from reactive cleanup to proactive valorization of the seaweed biomass.
The cornerstone of this effort is the Grenada National Sargassum Taskforce (GNST), established in September 2025 alongside a dedicated Sargassum Secretariat. This institutional framework provides a structured approach to stakeholder coordination, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive sargassum management. Recently activated multi-stakeholder working groups have begun addressing critical challenges through targeted workshops and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Operational measures are already underway with the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs partnering with the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority to deploy contractors in vulnerable coastal communities. These teams conduct daily shoreline clean-up operations while implementing innovative offshore interception techniques. Specialized vessels equipped with pelagic trawl nets and oil containment booms are being utilized to capture sargassum masses before they reach Grenada’s shores.
Concurrently, the EU Global Gateway Sargassum Valorisation Initiative is facilitating the development of a complete sargassum value chain. This ambitious program aims to transform environmental challenges into tangible economic and ecological opportunities. On February 5, 2026, government representatives, international partners, and private sector stakeholders engaged directly with coastal communities through site visits to Soubise and Grenville Fish Market, grounding discussions in local realities and practical value-creation potential.
A subsequent thematic roundtable and strategic networking session brought together diverse partners to review progress and align policy, investment, and value-chain development pathways. Participants examined the entire process from collection and management to valorization and market development, prioritizing actionable measures to advance sargassum utilization.
Multiple government ministries have reaffirmed their shared commitment to three core objectives: transitioning from response to valorization, attracting investment and innovation, and building sustainable, inclusive value chains that enhance economic resilience. These efforts are expected to contribute to improved food and energy security while supporting coastal livelihoods and tourism.
Sargassum inundations have affected the Eastern Caribbean since 2011, presenting complex challenges that require coordinated responses at national, regional, and international levels. Grenada’s vision encompasses a resilient, climate-informed sargassum management system that protects public health and coastal ecosystems while transforming the seaweed into a strategic bioresource within a diversified blue economy.