Harvesting Hope in the Caribbean Sea: Our Visit to Kee Farms’ regenerative Sea Moss Farm in St. Mary, Jamaica.

Harvesting Hope in the Caribbean Sea: Our Visit to Kee Farms’ Sea Moss Farm in St. Mary

This is sea moss of the type Eucheuma, a powerful sea plant that’s not only beneficial for humans but also essential for the ecosystems it grows in. Grown and harvested correctly, it becomes a solution for both people and planet.

Regenerative Sea Moss Harvesting in the Caribbean sea. Kee Farm, St. Mary, Jamaica

We traveled to St. Mary, Jamaica by the Caribbean sea to visit one of Kee Farms’ regenerative 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 sustainable design that allows the plants to flourish while supporting 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.

Regenerative Sea Moss Harvesting in the Caribbean sea. Kee Farm, St. Mary, Jamaica

Sea moss farming does more than provide a highly demanded superfood. It improves water quality, reduces ocean acidification, increases biodiversity, and provides safe habitats for small fish and marine life. 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.

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.

Breadfruit roasting by the Caribbean sea. Kee Farm, St. Mary, Jamaica

Interview with Deward – Kee Farms’ Mission

We ended the day speaking with Deward, one of the dedicated farmers and a proud part of the Kee Farms network. He shared that Kee Farms (a registered 501c3) 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 Deward 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.”

Standing on the shores of St. Mary after a day at sea, it became clear—this is what regeneration looks like. From the hands of fishermen to the vision of Kee Farms, sea moss farming is more than an industry—it’s hope for the Caribbean Sea.