The Cabinet has approved a proposal to collect sargassum before it reaches Antigua and Barbuda’s shores and process it into products for farmers.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. presented the proposed partnership with SargaCycle. The company plans to use specialised equipment to collect floating seaweed, send it ashore through a sealed pipeline and transport it for processing.
The sargassum would be turned into biochar and liquid biostimulants designed to improve soil quality, help soil retain water and make crops more resilient. Cabinet said collecting it at sea could also reduce the need for heavy machinery on beaches, which can remove sand during cleanups.
SargaCycle proposes to begin stabilising and refining the seaweed locally while relying on international partners for specialised laboratory work. It aims to expand laboratory and manufacturing operations in Antigua and Barbuda by its third year.
The company has also offered to help manage sargassum at public beaches, fishing areas, heritage sites and other priority coastal locations, including during major influxes.
Relevant ministries and agencies will work through the environmental, regulatory and technical requirements for implementation, Cabinet said.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sargassum Project Gets Government Approval.