€6.4 million invested by the government in the fight against Sargassum, decisive action by various stakeholders, challenges, and prospects for the future…
The Prefecture of Martinique has issued a press release summarizing the 2024 sargassum collection season. Faced with this scourge, which continues to severely affect the Caribbean coastline, the French government, in collaboration with numerous local stakeholders, has invested 6.4 million euros to combat the brown algae invasion. This report details the efforts made, the challenges overcome, and the outlook for the future in this vital struggle for the well-being of residents and the protection of the environment.
The 2024 sargassum collection season in Martinique is coming to a close on a mixed note. While brown algae strandings have become less frequent this October, the Prefecture of Martinique has compiled a detailed assessment of the past year and the measures implemented to address this environmental issue. This report highlights the collective efforts and significant investments made to mitigate the devastating effects of this algae on ecosystems and the health of local residents.
A Season Marked by Massive Strandings
After relatively modest strandings early in the year, Sargassum arrivals peaked from late April through August, with a higher intensity compared to 2023. In 2024, no fewer than 20 orange alerts and 2 red alerts were issued, compared with only 9 orange alerts the previous year. The Atlantic coast was particularly affected, as were certain sites along the Caribbean coast that are usually spared.
A Public Health Impact That Is Mobilizing Local Stakeholders
The environmental health report is cause for concern, with a notable increase in instances where the critical threshold for hydrogen sulfide was exceeded, reaching 141 incidents compared to 119 in 2023. Eight sites were affected, compared to six last year. In contrast, the situation appears more favorable with regard to ammonia, with levels lower than those in 2023.
In the face of these challenges, the involvement of all local stakeholders, including municipalities, has been crucial. By strengthening waste collection capacity and professionalizing the waste management sector, Martinique has become one of the Caribbean islands best prepared to manage this issue.
Major Investments for an Effective Fight
The government invested more than 6.4 million euros in 2024 to combat Sargassum. This funding was used to finance numerous initiatives, including land- and sea-based collection efforts, as well as health monitoring. Approximately 125 people were employed through job-training work camps, with funding of 2.5 million euros. In addition, 40 subsidized jobs were created within local municipalities at a total cost of 310,000 euros.
Significant efforts were also made regarding collection at sea, at a total cost of one million euros, bolstered by the purchase of new equipment such as a transfer barge and collection kits for fishermen.
Future Outlook: Toward a Sustainable Strategy
The Prefecture of Martinique also emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts in the future under the auspices of the Public Interest Group (GIP). The GIP will play a central role in coordinating efforts to combat Sargassum by ensuring the long-term sustainability of land-based collection and by improving the capacity for storing and recycling the seaweed.
Among the key measures planned, the reinforcement of offshore barriers and the deployment of a new Sargator in early 2025 should further improve the effectiveness of response efforts. The government also plans to support innovative projects aimed at transforming Sargassum into valuable resources, with the backing of organizations such as ADEME and Atout France.
