Abstract

One of the biggest threats to fisheries, reefs, and tourism in the Caribbean is global climate change associated with rising levels of greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide (CO2). Multiple negative impacts of elevating CO2 levels have been documented, including rising water temperatures, higher dissolved CO2, and higher water acidity. These CO2 caused changes have put considerable stress on reefs, thus threatening fisheries and tourism. Further threats to fisheries and tour-ism result from significant climate changes, including hotter weather and more frequent and severe tropical storms. Threats from rising CO2 levels to reefs and fisheries can be slowed or stopped by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and ocean. Currently, Sargassum, a macroalga containing 30% carbon, lands on Caribbean beaches in sufficient quantities to require clean up or even declarations of state-of-emergency (Barbados, 2018). Sargassum harvest close to beaches offers an opportunity to remove CO2 from the ocean and atmosphere consistent with international priorities. The United States Department of Energy (US DOE) is sponsoring exploration of ocean-based solutions to reduce CO2 levels that include aq-uaculture and the development of alternative, carbon neutral fuels. Successful projects will result in technology capable of conducting ocean-based efforts to capture CO2 from the atmosphere and ocean, and produce sustainable products with a highly favorable energy cost ratio. Fearless Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is currently conducting research on “Ocean Energy from Macroalgae (OEM),” supported by US DOE, to explore ways to manage the growth of Sargassum, harvest this plant efficiently, and generate biofuels and other sustainable products. Funded by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) in 2018.

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