Abstract

The influx of pelagic Sargassum to the Caribbean in 2014 - 2015 has presented a host of challenges to island nations. It has raised many questions which were often directed towards local academic institutions. This presentation will examine challenges that were faced by the island nation of Grenada and the many, varied questions that were directed towards local academics in connection with Sargassum. We will summarize biodiversity impacts experienced locally and the associated coastal management needs that arose, especially in relation to endangered biodiversity. We set this against a backdrop of stakeholder participation in coastal management, the critical importance of the fisheries for local livelihoods, and a long track record of biodiversity monitoring in Grenada. For example, mainland Grenada hosts a critical population of nesting leatherback sea turtles, the third largest nesting site in the Caribbean. Grenada has more than 10 years of monitoring data from our index nesting beach and preliminary 2015 results show that up to 80% of nests on the south side of the index beach were lost due to impacts of Sargassum and beach erosion. We will describe management actions taken by NGOs together with a number of government ministries including practical measures to reduce mortality, and outreach/education about Sargassum and at the same time to raise awareness of the importance and value of Grenada’s marine resources. We will share lessons learned about responding to questions raised by the Sargassum influx that will be useful for other Caribbean nations facing this emerging regional issue.

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