David Cabra
Addressing Sargassum Overproliferation with Biofabric Innovation
Photo Credit: Teresa Wood
Sargassum, a unique brown seaweed forming sprawling golden mats on the open ocean's surface, has intrigued observers since Christopher Columbus's expeditions across the Sargasso Sea in 1492. Native to the Atlantic Ocean, Sargassum plays a critical role in the ecosystem, providing refuge and breeding grounds for diverse species like fish and turtles. Beneath the floating mats, a vibrant array of life thrives, making Sargassum an underwater forest or inverted reef.
This harmonious relationship, however, experienced a disruption, as revealed in satellite data from 2011. Scientists and researchers noticed an unusually large volume of Sargassum inundating coastal regions at an unprecedented pace. The scale of this bloom has now become so vast that it's visible even from space, forming the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt — a colossal phenomenon stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the mouth of the Congo River.
Photo Credit: David Cabra
This Sargassum overproliferation has triggered significant ecological and economic implications. The decomposing seaweed contaminates beaches and affects economic activities in coastal areas due to runoff from onshore disposal sites. Furthermore, the enormous buildup can cause death among certain species and damage coral reefs.
Factors such as nutrient enrichment, increasing temperatures, and shifting climate patterns all stimulate these massive seaweed blooms. Ongoing research points towards human activities, notably intensive farming practices like soy cultivation in the Congo, the Amazon, and the Mississippi, as a major contributor. These activities significantly enhance nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the ocean, acting as catalysts for this explosive seaweed proliferation.
Several organizations are focusing on understanding and addressing the Sargassum issue. Among these is the UK startup Seaweed Generation, which is at the forefront of sustainable seaweed cultivation and research. They use an innovative approach that includes AlgaVator, a robot designed for automation in seaweed cultivation.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists from the University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and Georgia Institute of Technology is deeply involved in the investigation. The team is exploring a range of solutions, from employing Sargassum for water purification to assessing its potential as a building material or biofuel.
Additionally, Sargassum Monitoring®, a Quebec-based non-profit, has evolved from a citizen initiative into a trusted global partner in coastal environment protection. They offer data and educational resources and support transition projects worldwide.
Carbo by David Cabra
In the face of this ecological and social challenge, Colombian designer and researcher David Cabra is also stepping forward. His work focuses on new material explorations in the fashion industry, specifically the development of bioplastics and natural pigments, primarily sourced from textile and garment production waste. He aligns his work with the principles of a circular bio-economy, seeking ways to convert waste into valuable resources and reduce our reliance on non-renewable materials.
Cabra's innovative experiments with third-generation biofabrics, known for their carbon-capturing capabilities and potential as leather or plastic substitutes, open up new possibilities. These ground-breaking fabrics employ natural pigments from plants, algae, and waste from the woodworking industries, leading Cabra to a potential approach for the escalating Sargassum issue — an innovative project named ‘Carbo’.
The Carbo project offers a potential strategy for mitigating the Sargassum issue. Emerging bioplastics provide a promising avenue for dealing with plastic waste. Still, they require careful management, considering their impact and the public's perception of their environmental safety, which depends on the quantity released and the ecological context.
Work processes of david Cabra
Carbo by David Cabra