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Barbados has removed approximately 3.6 million pounds of sargassum from its beaches so far in 2026, as authorities explore new technology aimed at tackling the seaweed before it reaches the shoreline.
According to Barbados Today, the Sargassum Seaweed Collection Unit has been deploying approximately 150 workers daily to clear affected areas across the island.
River Bay in St Lucy, Skeetes Bay in St Philip and Long Beach in Christ Church are among the locations presenting significant challenges because of continued accumulations.
National Project Coordinator David Carter said authorities are now considering the use of offshore pump harvesters designed to collect sargassum while it is still at sea.
The proposed system would use floating booms and specialised mesh to direct and collect the seaweed, while attempting to minimise the capture of marine animals such as fish and turtles.
Officials believe offshore collection could also help address another problem associated with clearing sargassum after it reaches land.
Mechanical removal from beaches can result in sand being taken away along with the seaweed, potentially contributing to coastal erosion over time.
River Bay is being considered as a possible location for the offshore equipment because of the amount of sargassum accumulating there and relatively calm sea conditions.
Skeetes Bay is also under consideration, although rougher waters could make offshore collection more difficult.
Authorities are additionally examining ways of putting the massive quantities of collected seaweed to productive use, including its potential conversion into biogas.
The latest figures highlight the scale of the sargassum challenge facing Barbados and other Caribbean islands, where large seasonal influxes can affect beaches, coastal communities, tourism and marine environments.
The proposed offshore approach represents an attempt to shift the response from repeatedly cleaning affected beaches to intercepting the seaweed before it reaches Barbados’ coastline.
