SANDALS Foundation has joined forces with Kee Fisheries to implement an innovative seaweed farming initiative, building their capacity to cultivate and process seaweed into a high-demand agar product, in an effort to support avenues for sustainable economic development of 30 local fishers.

The project will help fishers tap into an environmentally friendly and alternate source of income by producing value-added products for sale to food and beverage companies locally, regionally, and internationally.

“Through this partnership, we’re empowering local communities to diversify their income in a way that not only benefits them but also supports marine conservation efforts,” said Georgia Scarlett, environmental projects manager at Sandals Foundation.

“Seaweed farming is a viable way forward, and we’re proud to contribute to a project that uplifts both people and the planet,” she continued.

Nicholas Kee, co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms, shared his enthusiasm for the expected outcomes, stating, “We believe that seaweed farming has the potential to reshape the economic landscape for coastal communities. By equipping fisherfolk with the necessary tools and training, we’re creating an avenue for sustainable livelihoods that align with environmental preservation.”

As part of the overall project, a four-week workshop teaches fishers how to grow seaweed, build rafts for production, and identify suitable sites for optimal growth. Once the seaweed reaches harvestable maturity, which usually takes about 6-8 weeks, Kee Farms plans to purchase it directly from the fisherfolk, or the fishers can choose to sell to the open market. This hands-on approach seeks to enable participants to take ownership of the process and build a resilient, sustainable industry.

Fishers in the programme, ranging in age from 20 to 70, have been embracing the training.

Bevin Campbell, a participating fisherman, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “This initiative gives us fisherfolk a chance to earn a steady income. The additional income will help my family and my community. It’s a good feeling.”

The Boscobel Fish Sanctuary was established by the Sandals Foundation in 2013 to bolster marine conservation efforts within the space. Over the years, the team of wardens who manage the protected space have built a strong relationship with local fisherfolk and wider residents who now help ecological protection practices. This partnership with Kee Farms takes that relationship a step further.

Nicholas Kee (second left), co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms, training local fisherfolk to tie seaweed to rafts to later deploy them into the sea.

(From left) Nicholas Kee, co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms; Jerlene Layne, manager of the Sandals Boscobel Fish Sanctuary; and Saphrah-Ann Wint, content manager of Kee Farms.