Assessing the problem, Finding solutions, Harnessing the Economic Benefits

The conference will convene political, business, senior technical and scientific leaders to assess the current status of knowledge and understanding of the Sargassum weed and discuss an effective partnership between all sectors to harness related opportunities and benefits.

Leading scientists will be invited to review the latest knowledge of the observed phenomena, project possible trends over the next 2 to 5 years and advance an understanding of the causes associated with Sargassum prevalence.

The conference will also explore the level of engagement and strategies needed to address the future management of Sargassum. It will engage high level policymakers and leading authorities within the private and public sectors to identify solutions, advance a suite of policy options and elaborate on optimal institutional arrangements to improve synergies between the stakeholders involved.

Reviewing current research and practice of using different varieties of seaweed for commercial applications will be a key component of the conference, and enable a discussion on the transferability and/or relevance of existing best practices to Sargassum in the Caribbean.

- Dr. Hazel Oxenford, Professor – Fisheries Biology and Management, University of the West Indies
- Rachel McCaffery, Head of Sustainable Tourism, INTASAVE-CARIBSAVE
- Dr. Asha Singh, Head of the Oceans Governance Unit of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
- Dr Michele Stanley FRSB, Centre Lead for Marine Biotechnology, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
- Michelle Morrison PhD, Principal AD Scientist & Group Leader, Industrial Biotechnology and Biorefining, Centre for Process Innovation Ltd
- Dr Simon Faulkner, Research and Development Manager, Ocean Harvest Ltd