Woodford Hill seamoss farmers receive boat to improve operation

Seamoss farmers in Woodford Hill have received a boat that will improve their operation, enhance their livelihood, and promote sustainable seamoss farming in the region.

The fiberglass vessel, valued at $72,000, was donated by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), through the European Union (EU)-funded BioSPACE project. Presently the farmers must rent a boat for their seamoss production, especially during days of planting and harvesting.

Seamoss production has become a significant source of income for many individuals in the OECS, particularly women in rural communities, and Chamberlain Emmanuel, Head of the OECS Environmental Sustainability Division, highlighted the importance of producing it.

“Seamoss production has the potential to generate sustainable income, mitigate poverty, and improve the livelihoods and nutrition of people and communities involved, and helps to reduce the unsustainable harvesting of the natural stocks,” he said during the handing-over ceremony of the boat.

Wilson Honore, one of the seamoss farmers, said the donation will make a big difference for them.

“Woodford Hill Seamoss farmers are working on 17 products, including skin care, beauty care, and hair care products,” he stated. ‘This is going to make a big difference with moving things forward. We are thankful to the European Union (EU) and the OECS for their support.”

According to the OECS, the new boat will improve the operations of the seamoss farmers in many ways.

“It will facilitate the transportation of their seamoss plants and farming equipment, such as nets, ropes, and anchors to the farming sites in the coastal waters, and carry the harvested seamoss back to land for processing,” the organization said.

“It will also help with regular monitoring and maintenance of the seamoss crops. Furthermore, as the seamoss farming business grows, the boat will enable farmers to explore and utilise other planting sites that provide optimal growing conditions, thus supporting the expansion of their farming operation.”