Last Updated on February 1, 2024, 6:04 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis: The Department of Marine Resources is gearing up to launch the Sea Moss production exhibition sites, commencing in the next few weeks, said Randell Thompson, the Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources, while giving his Work Plan Presentation 2024.
This Work Plan Presentation 2024 was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources two weeks ago, on Tuesday (January 23).
As per Director Randell Thompson, the Sea Moss production exhibition site is a significant Work Plan Strategy 2024.
The Sea Mos typically refers to a type of Marine fungi, algae or seaweed. It is used to improve blood sugar control, help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease in the human body.
Director Thompson said the department’s plan this year is to establish ‘Aquaculture‘ and take it to the next level. Therefore, they have been looking to develop the Sea Moss exhibition sites within the year’s first quarter.
‘Aquaculture‘ means a process of breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.’
The Sea Mos initiative will take place between the areas of Old Road to New Guinea. “We want to establish a site there, and that site will establish how sea moss production can be done,” added Director Thompson.
He emphasised that the exhibition site would be set up in Dieppe Bay to benefit the current conditions of the sea in the Coastal areas.
He also informed that the stakeholders will be called to visit the sites, see the progress of the sites, to learn and examine the innovative and sustainable methods of sea moss farming.
“We would also be inviting stakeholders, young entrepreneurs and fisheries to be a part of the process so that they can see that sea moss production is a viable way forward that can supplement their income and become something they can do full-time”, he outlined.
At last, Director Thompson also expressed that once the nation harnessed the potential of sea moss through training and research conducted at the sea moss production exhibition sites. The country will record substantial economic growth, and skilled fisher folk can further contribute to a more sustainable and resilient marine sector.
In December 2023, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew underlined this significant initiative to promote the blue economy and benefit the communities.
He said, “In 2024, the Department of Marine Resources St Kitts and Nevis intends to promote Blue Economy activities such as marine energy, marine biotechnology, aquaculture, sea moss production, tourism activities, marine transportation, boat building and high seas fishing.”
He also ensured that the government has been consistently working for this initiative and has already established a working relationship with Southern University at New Orleans that would result in scholarship opportunities for agricultural-related studies.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
