Sargassum Chokes Micoud North Jetty, Threatening Fishers’ Livelihoods
The growing sargassum invasion affecting Saint Lucia’s coastline is now disrupting fishing operations in Micoud North, raising concerns about livelihoods, food security and access to critical marine infrastructure relied upon by coastal communities. As fishers grapple with increasing challenges caused by the seaweed buildup, Parliamentary Representative for Micoud North Jeremiah Norbert on Tuesday visited the […] The post Sargassum Chokes Micoud North Jetty, Threatening Fishers’ Livelihoods appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
Black News 
The growing sargassum invasion affecting Saint Lucia’s coastline is now disrupting fishing operations in Micoud North, raising concerns about livelihoods, food security and access to critical marine infrastructure relied upon by coastal communities.
As fishers grapple with increasing challenges caused by the seaweed buildup, Parliamentary Representative for Micoud North Jeremiah Norbert on Tuesday visited the constituency’s jetty alongside technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to assess the situation and explore possible solutions.
The accumulation of sargassum has affected access to the bay and surrounding coastal areas, creating obstacles for fishers who depend on the sea for their daily income. The jetty, a key piece of infrastructure for landing catches, maintaining vessels and supporting fishing activities, has become increasingly impacted by the recurring influx.
Norbert said the consequences extend beyond the fishing industry itself.
“Our fishers are the backbone of many coastal communities. When they are unable to access the sea or safely use critical infrastructure like the jetty, the impact extends far beyond the fishing industry—it affects household incomes, food security, and the overall wellbeing of families who depend on this sector every day,” he stated.
The Micoud North MP said the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to identify practical and sustainable interventions to address the problem. Working with technical experts, authorities are examining measures aimed at preserving access to the facility while reducing disruptions to fishing operations.
“This is not an issue that can be ignored or addressed with short-term fixes alone. We are committed to working with the relevant agencies to identify sustainable interventions that will protect our coastline, preserve access to the jetty, and ensure that our fishers can continue earning a living despite the challenges posed by sargassum,” Norbert said.
He also pledged to continue advocating for the resources and support needed to protect the fishing sector and strengthen the resilience of communities that depend on it.
The assessment comes as sargassum continues to impact coastal communities across Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. The recurring influx has affected beaches, marine ecosystems, tourism operations and fishing activities, prompting ongoing efforts by regional authorities to manage its effects on critical infrastructure and local economies.
For many fishers in Micoud North, the challenge remains immediate: maintaining access to the sea and protecting the livelihoods that support their families while longer-term solutions are pursued.
The post Sargassum Chokes Micoud North Jetty, Threatening Fishers’ Livelihoods appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
