For decades, the seasonal arrival of sargassum seaweed has been a familiar yet unwelcome sight for residents along the east and south coasts of Saint Lucia. Known for blanketing beaches, harming marine ecosystems, and emitting a foul odour, the seaweed has long been a nuisance. However, 2025 marked a troubling shift in this pattern. For the first time, large quantities of sargassum invaded the north and west coasts, affecting regions such as Castries, Dennery, Choiseul, and Soufrière. This unprecedented spread has raised alarms among locals and experts alike.
Saphira Hunt, Caribbean programme officer at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, attributed this phenomenon to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures and altered wind patterns have pushed the seaweed further than ever before, exposing previously unaffected coastlines. While the brown tide has since receded, its impact lingers, particularly among fishermen. Hurby Gilbert, a local fisherman, described the challenges of navigating through towering piles of seaweed, which not only hindered daily operations but also left boats stained and foul-smelling.
The decay of sargassum poses additional problems. Veteran fisherman Kurby Fontenelle noted that the seaweed quickly rots upon reaching shore, releasing noxious gases that pollute the air and disrupt daily life. Equipment damage is another significant concern. Sadam Gedeon, a fisherman with 15 years of experience, explained how seaweed clogs boat impellers, leading to costly repairs. Residents also voiced frustration over the lack of government support, with many calling for better facilities and assistance for fishermen.
The crisis extends beyond Saint Lucia. In May 2025, over 38 million metric tons of sargassum drifted across the Caribbean, the largest recorded mass to date. While sargassum serves as a habitat for marine life in open waters, its accumulation onshore threatens coral reefs, seagrass beds, and human health. Governments and scientists are exploring solutions, including satellite monitoring systems like the Sargassum Watch System and Mexico’s LANOT platform. Onshore, initiatives to repurpose seaweed into fertiliser, building materials, or biofuel are underway, though challenges such as high salt and heavy metal content persist.
Regional cooperation is seen as crucial to addressing the crisis. Countries like Mexico and the Dominican Republic are advocating for joint action. For now, Saint Lucia’s beaches are clear, but fishermen warn that the sargassum will return. They urge stronger support to safeguard their livelihoods, emphasizing that the crisis is far from over.