CFMC Sargassum Panel Meeting December 6, 2023 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (AST) Meeting Goals Understand the dynamics of Sargassum, ecological importance, scientific gaps, and management challenges for coastal communities in the U.S. Caribbean. Agenda 8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.
Cisco Werner (NOAA) – The pelagic Sargassum population in the tropical Atlantic: establishment and predictability.
8:10 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.
Mariana Leon (ISER-CARIBE) – Sargassum in the US Caribbean: impacts on EFH and management implications.
8:20 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
David Dale (NOAA-HCD) – Sargassum as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) (virtual presentation).
8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
Karen Urelius (USACE) – Sargassum Management Structures and Work in Waters of the U.S. – Permits, Consultations, and Coordination.
8:40 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Sydnee Grushack (Newlab) – Innovative uses of Sargassum (virtual presentation).
8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marlon Hibbert (USVI DPNR) – Sargassum management in the U.S.V.I.
9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Amy Dempsey (BioImpact) – 2023 U.S.V.I. Sargassum Blueprint.
9:10 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
Ricardo Colón (PR DNER) – Sargassum management in Puerto Rico/Manejo de Sargaso en Puerto Rico
9:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Andres Bisono/Cristopher Walker (SOS Carbon) Transforming environmental crises into value-chains: leveraging local resources, generating jobs to the coastal communities, and accelerating sustainable industries.
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel Discussion.
Panel Questions Science Where are we now and where do we need to go in terms of forecasting and understanding Sargassum? What recommendations would you give managers who are considering in-water Sargassum removal in regards to minimizing potential impacts to ESA-listed species, critical habitat and locally regulated species? Management What are the top 2 management concerns when it comes to Sargassum? How has your territory addressed these concerns so far? Regulatory In your experience, what are you noticing is missing when it comes to permitting and regulating Sargassum removal? Industry There are many alternatives being proposed for the commercial use of Sargassum. Most of which are still in the experimental phase. What alternatives do we have available now and which commercial alternatives do you believe have the most potential? How has the issue of potential by-catch impacts during in-water Sargassum removal been addressed? (5-10 minutes of open questions from the Council and public) Panel: Any final recommendations for the Council?