A buildup of sargassum seaweed is threatening the livelihood of Dennery Fishers, the Operations Supervisor of the Dennery Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, Agnita Thomas, has disclosed. The landing area the port itself where our fishers come in with their daily catch, this is where the sargassum seaweed has really impacted our fishers and has made it very difficult for them to drop down their engines and come in, Thomas explained.
She told St Lucia Times that one area of the port cannot be used because of submerged seaweed. This is where we really need the government’s assistance, Thomas observed. We have already estimated it and it is overwhelming for our pocket as a cooperative, she stated, adding that fishers would welcome help from the administration with dredging the area.
According to the Dennery Fishermen’s Cooperative Society official, in other areas a collaborative effort between the government and the community can be put in motion. She told St Lucia Times that in addition to removing the current buildup, there would be need for a longer term plan to address the seaweed problem. Thomas noted that in addition to impacting the livelihood of fishers, who now have to change their pattern of fishing, the seaweed buildup has created a stench in the community, causing allergic reactions in some residents. Sargassum seaweed is also creating problems for fishers in other parts of Saint Lucia, including Praslin and Savannes Bay.