Japan Donates Harvester to Tackle Sargassum in Antigua and Barbuda

The Government of Japan has donated a specialized harvester to assist Antigua and Barbuda in removing sargassum seaweed from the nation’s coastline.

The donation, made through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marks the final installment in a package of equipment aimed at addressing the invasive seaweed. Previous contributions included booms already in use for containment.

General Manager of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Indira James Henry, said the harvester will be operated by the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard, whose officers are currently undergoing a week-long training led by technicians from the supplier.

The sessions cover both operation and maintenance of the equipment.

While the sargassum season typically begins in late January or February and tapers off around this time of year, James Henry noted the machine may not be deployed until early 2026, unless there is a sudden resurgence in the coming weeks.

Once collected, the seaweed will be stored in a designated area to decompose for potential use as fertilizer or for export.

James Henry added that several options are being explored for long-term utilization of the biomass, though no definitive plan has yet been finalized.

The harvester is valued at more than EC$300,000.