Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appealed to Japan for assistance in addressing the growing problem of sargassum seaweed and expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s offshore fishing industry.
Browne made the request during a courtesy call with Japanese Ambassador Yusuke Miyasaka and First Secretary Mr. Ursushitata last week, while Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Minister Anthony Smith Jr. raised similar concerns during a separate meeting with the Japanese officials.
The Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda is seeking support in the form of equipment, technology and research to help manage the annual influx of sargassum that continues to affect beaches across the country.
“We are making an appeal to our friends, the Japanese government, to help us with equipment or research on how we can effectively deal with the tons of sargassum seaweed that overwhelm our beaches annually,” Browne said.
He noted that the Government remains interested in finding commercially viable uses for the seaweed, including converting it into fertilizers and other products.
“Attempts to turn the seaweed into useful products have so far proven difficult, but we remain hopeful that there may be solutions that countries like Japan can help us identify and implement,” he said.
Sargassum has become a recurring challenge throughout the Caribbean, affecting tourism, fisheries and coastal ecosystems. Antigua and Barbuda has invested significant resources in clearing beaches and mitigating the environmental impact of the seaweed, but officials continue to search for long-term solutions.
Browne also sought Japan’s assistance in strengthening the country’s fishing sector through the acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels.
He said Antigua and Barbuda’s vast maritime space remains largely underutilized because local fishers lack the vessels needed to access offshore pelagic fish stocks.
“Antigua and Barbuda can be considered a mid-sized nation when our extensive territorial waters are taken into account. Unfortunately, we have not been able to effectively exploit the resources within those waters because we do not have the vessels needed to harvest our pelagic fish stock,” Browne said.
The Government is hoping to acquire between 10 and 15 fishing vessels that would allow fishers to operate farther offshore and target higher-value species.
According to Browne, the initiative is intended to increase domestic fish consumption, reduce reliance on imported seafood, improve food security and create additional economic opportunities for fishers.
He said the Government is exploring concessional financing arrangements to facilitate the purchase of the vessels as part of its broader effort to develop the country’s blue economy.