Harvesting Hope: Sea Moss Farming in Jamaica
- Aug 13, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 24
By Birgitta Fontel
This is sea moss of the genus Eucheuma, beneficial for humans but also part of the ecosystems it grows in. Grown and harvested correctly, it becomes a solution for both people and planet.
We at One Regeneration traveled to St. Mary, Jamaica by the Caribbean sea to visit one of Kee Farms’ sea moss farms.
Reaching the farm required either a swim or a short boat ride out into the turquoise waters. Underneath the surface, we discovered rows of sea moss carefully strung on structures built from recycled plastic tubes—a creative design that allows the sea moss to flourish while also being available to marine life.
The Farming Experience
The harvest is a patient process. Fishermen dive down to the ropes, selecting only a portion of the plant and leaving the rest behind to regrow stronger. This careful method not only ensures a steady supply of sea moss but also helps the ecosystem recover naturally. The farm isn’t just a place of production—it’s a living classroom of balance and regeneration.
Sea moss farming does more than provide a highly demanded superfood. Advocates say that It can improve water quality, reduces ocean acidification, increases biodiversity, and provides safe habitats for small fish and marine life if designed well.
By absorbing excess nutrients, the farms help fight the harmful algal blooms that have suffocated much of the Caribbean’s reefs over the past decades. For local fishermen, it means a new livelihood—one that eases pressure on dwindling fish stocks and creates stability for coastal communities.
Explore our piece on cultivating sea moss regeneratively to learn more.
Community and Connection
After hours of harvesting and sharing stories on the water, the fishermen invited us back to shore. There, we were welcomed with a true Jamaican feast—roasted breadfruit, roasted tuna, and corn prepared over an open fire. The smoky aroma and the warmth of the fishermen’s company made the meal unforgettable. It wasn’t just about food—it was about connection, community, and gratitude for the sea that sustains them.
Interview with Durward – Kee Farms’ Mission
We ended the day speaking with Durward, from the Kee Farms network. He shared that Kee Farms isn’t just about growing sea moss—it’s about ocean regeneration, resilience, and restoration.
Their mission goes far beyond human consumption. By focusing on climate adaptation through seaweed farming, they are actively working to:
Capture carbon and fight climate change
Reduce ocean acidification
Improve water quality
Increase biodiversity
Support sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities
As Durward explained, “This isn’t just farming. It’s a way to bring life back to the sea, and at the same time, give people here a future they can depend on.”
Watch our extended interview with Durward below
Sea Moss in Jamaica
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