Sea-moss mariculture in Barbados

Feasibility of successfully growing sea-moss and establishing a mariculture industry took place at the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados in association with McGill University.

Herbarium of seaweed and sea-moss that was once found in Barbados. Courtesy of Folkestone Marine Park.

Sea-moss farming in the Caribbean

Sea-moss farming has been present in the Caribbean since 1981, with successful operations present in Saint Lucia and Grenada. The addition of sea-moss mariculture to Barbados' coastal waters has the potential to contribute to the Blue economy, stimulating coastal improvement and economic diversification. Our research investigated sea-moss farming in Barbados by selecting species of sea-moss favourable for cultivation in Barbados, testing water quality conditions in areas around the island, and providing insight on the construction of a floating sea-moss farm.

Map of Barbados illustrating potential sites for Sea-moss experimentation. West Coast: Brighton Beach in St. Michael. Nursery at Bellairs Beach in St. James. East Coast: Conset Bay in St. John.

Survey of Algae Strains

Information was gathered about the types of algae strains historically used for mariculture, especially in the Caribbean. Relevant institutions, scientists, and other people who were knowledgeable about sea-moss biology or knew the whereabouts and history of sea-moss in Barbados were contacted. Research indicates that the top 3 seamoss species for cultivation in Barbados were Kappaphycus alvarezii, Hydropuntia cornea and species coming from the Gracilaria genus.

Biodiversity of juvenile fish concentrated around corals at Folkestone park.

Site Selection

Brighton Beach on the west coast of Barbados was identified as a potential site for a sea-moss farm. The main concern for water quality were two rum-processing plants on this beach that have wastewater flow directly into the water. This intrusion of warm, fresh water from industry may affect growing conditions for seamoss. The effect of industrial wastewater was tested on Brighton Beach as well as the water quality needs for seamoss growth. Samples of water were taken along the gradient of dispersion of the industrial wastewater at the potential site. Other environmental site assessments were conducted at another potential seamoss farm site situated in Folkestone park.

Raft prototype constructed and tested at Bellairs Research Institute and Folkestone Marine Park.

Raft Design

Conditions and governance in Barbados make a floating raft farm type the most suitable for implementation on the island. Suggested materials include bamboo flotation units, polyethylene substrate rope and concrete anchor blocks.