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.