Mesyct invests RD$85 million in sargassum research

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mesyct) has announced an RD$85 million investment in research projects aimed at addressing the issue of sargassum, a type of seaweed impacting the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry and coastal health. Minister Franklin García Fermín stated that the funding will support various studies, including those on beach geomorphology, soil fertility improvement, and the innovative use of sargassum, such as activated carbon production and animal feed.

The projects, supported by the National Fund for Innovation and Scientific Development (Fondocyt), will involve over eight research initiatives from local universities focused on reducing climate change impacts. Vice Minister Dr. Genaro Rodríguez Martínez emphasized that sargassum has been a major environmental concern over the past decade, negatively affecting marine biodiversity, tourism, and local communities through its foul odor and potential health risks.

In addition to studying the issue, the government aims to find long-term, sustainable solutions to mitigate the negative effects of sargassum, improve tourism competitiveness, and protect the coastal ecosystem. The research will help develop more effective responses to the challenges posed by this marine macroalgae.