Challenges of Turning the Sargassum Crisis into Gold: Current Constraints and Implications for the Caribbean

Over the last decade, Caribbean has seen massive, episodic influxes of pelagic sargassum negatively impacting coastal ecosystems, people’s livelihoods and climate-sensitive sectors. Addressing this issue solely as a hazard proven extremely costly attention is slowly turning towards potential opportunities for reuse valorization. However, ‘sargassum crisis into gold’ not easy. In study we use multi-method approach to learn from stakeholders (researchers, entrepreneurs established businesses) across about constraints challenges they are facing. These can be grouped five broad categories: (1) unpredictable supply sargassum; (2) issues related with chemical composition seaweed; (3) harvest, transport storage; (4) governance; (5) funding. Specific solutions associated each these categories reviewed in detail recommended actions mapped entry points along generalized value chain demonstrate how contribute development sustainable chains that promote economic could help alleviate impacts massive influxes. This paper offers guidance policy makers funding agencies on existing gaps need addressed order scale-up successful crisis.