Antigua and Barbuda could receive Japanese technical assistance to develop a facility capable of processing sargassum seaweed into commercial products, following discussions held during Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr.’s recent visit to Japan.
The proposal emerged as part of wider talks between Antigua and Barbuda and Japanese officials on agriculture, fisheries, food security and sustainable development, according to information provided during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the minister reported that Japanese officials expressed a willingness to support Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to address one of the country’s most persistent environmental challenges.
While Antigua and Barbuda has acquired equipment capable of harvesting sargassum, Merchant said disposal remains a major problem once the seaweed is collected.
“The main challenge is the disposal of the sargassum,” Merchant explained. “Once the sun hits the sargassum, then gases are emitted and there is that foul odor.”
According to Merchant, Japanese officials indicated they are prepared to dispatch a technical team to Antigua and Barbuda to examine both the harvesting process and opportunities to convert the seaweed into marketable by-products.
The initiative could help transform a costly environmental nuisance into an economic opportunity while reducing the impact of recurring sargassum invasions on beaches, tourism sites and coastal communities.
Merchant said Smith was enthusiastic about the prospects and viewed the discussions as a positive step toward developing practical solutions for managing the seaweed.
The talks formed part of a broader engagement with Japanese officials, which also covered assistance for fisheries infrastructure, fish and vegetable markets, and other food security initiatives. Japanese authorities have signaled a willingness to cooperate with Antigua and Barbuda in several of these areas as the government seeks to strengthen agricultural production and modernize key sectors.
Officials have not yet announced a timeline for the proposed facility, but Cabinet was told that Japan stands ready to provide technical expertise should Antigua and Barbuda decide to move the project forward.