The known (recorded) and potential distribution of each of the broad groups of seaweeds and seagrasses in Scottish waters has been mapped ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 [7] ). Registered office: Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7US. And it comes at a relatively little cost to the environment, when you do it right. This laminated guide from the FSC will help you to identify 36 of the most common seaweeds. These mushrooms are very often found on their own, causing confusion to those new to phycology. However, as part of The Scottish Governments wider seaweed review, research is underway focusing on understanding the potential scale and type of seaweed-based industries that may be established in Scotland. 3.14.5. There are not currently sufficient seaweed harvesting activity data to make trends relevant. Seagrasses are grass-like flowering plants with dark green, long, narrow, ribbon-shaped leaves. Making use of the waste as a resource is at the heart of the IMTA approach. Turns green with exposure to bright sunlight. This is shown in Table 7 and Figure 9. This guide only includes the 14 species which we're looking to record, but you might find other species on the beach, too. The kelp Laminaria saccharina (now known as Saccharina latissima), occurs on many types of shore, but in this situation it can be dominant around the low water mark and in the shallow sublittoral. Registered charity in England and Wales 1004005 and in Scotland SC037480. Seaweed cultivation is a growing area of interest. I think increasing plant based meals is also really important. In the Western Isles, for example, beach-cast Laminaria spp. Maerl is found along the west coast of Scotland, in the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and the north coast, but is absent from the east coast (Figure 2). On sheltered shores there are often dense stands, in potentially harvestable amounts, of intertidal wracks. Care must be taken to keep the holdfast and part of the stipe intact so that plants re-grow for subsequent harvest. A Scottish Government review is underway to gather evidence on the environmental implications of seaweed removal by any method and to consider the sustainable development of the seaweed sector. Just like their terrestrial counterparts, many types of seaweed are healthy, low-calorie food sources. Supporting and regulating services also assist in maintaining the biophysical environment that underpins all services. 3.10.1. The main seaweed species being grown in the trials is edible kelp (Zero Waste Scotland, 2019). Apparently stable climax communities may change in response to changes in environmental conditions. Intertidal. For example, some grow from the base and some grow from the tips, so we harvest them in different ways to allow them to grow back. Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus), the channel wrack ( Pelvetia canaliculata), dulse ( Palmaria palmata), pepper dulse ( Osmundea spp.) Scottish Sea Areas as used in Scotland's Marine Atlas 2011. Intertidal. 3.10.6. (red seaweeds). There are over 650 species of seaweed found around the UK and we're on the lookout for 14 of them. The major abiotic factors influencing seaweed and seagrass growth are light, temperature, salinity, water motion, wave exposure, nutrient availability and exposure to air (desiccation) (Lobban & Harrison, 1994; Smale et al., 2016). and laver ( Porphyra spp.) Tiree), in Orkney and Shetland and the west coast of the Scottish mainland. The membranous brown fronds of laver can be found at low tide, covering rocks like discarded plastic bags. Conservation Land Management (CLM) is a quarterly magazine that is widely regarded as essential Progress of this review is reported here. Gathered by hand during May and June. Initial indications are, that in early stages of development, seaweed for biofuel may be a mix of cultivated and wild harvested seaweed. The floating cut seaweed tis bound into a circular bale and towed by a small boat to a sheltered area for loading onto a lorry. This photographic guide aims to demystify seaweed identification for the non-specialist. Your cookie preferences have been saved. dredgers used in maerl extraction). Other seagrass beds found in Scotland are typically small. In this guide, we reveal 10 of the most common seaweed types found on UK shores. The traditional gathering of beach-cast seaweed by crofters does not require landowner permission. Below the low water mark, increasing depth results in a very rapid decrease in light intensity so that sublittoral (subtidal) species are restricted to a depth range near the surface, known as the photic zone, where light is sufficient for growth. So if you spot any aliens, report your finds to the Big Seaweed Search to help biologists track their spread. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. Includes those priority substances listed in Annex II of Directive 2008/105/EC. Harvest may also involve the use of boat and rake. 3.13.6. As one schoolboy exclaimed during a demonstration of seaweed cookery I once gave at my daughters school: Yuck, hes making pudding out of snot.. The harvest of seaweed under other circumstances does not require a marine licence, however landowner permission may still be required. Although they may be tough they are likely to be well-adapted to a specific set of conditions where they form the climax communities (and therefore may be vulnerable to change in these conditions). The fronds are made up of hundreds of hard, pink, articulated tubes, like some tiny machine. Conversely, seagrasses are predicted to proliferate if they are adequately protected from other anthropogenic pressures (Brodie et al., 2014). Figure 2: Available spatial information on the distribution of kelps, maerl, wracks and green seaweeds, Figure 3: Available spatial information on the distribution of potential areas for kelps, and the distribution of red seaweeds, seagrasses and beach-cast seaweeds or seagrasses. Subtidal. When the tide comes back in the seaweed floats to form a large circular bale which is then towed by small boat to a sheltered area for loading onto a lorry. Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Distribution: Grows in dense beds in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal zones (at a depth of up to 20m). Typically hand harvested at low tide with small knives or scissors. 3.2.1. We've created this photograph ID guide to make it a bit easier. 3.16.1. Ecosystem services are the outputs of ecosystems from which people and society derive benefits. At each of the four locations we have two corridors close to each other that are very similar, and that we have been surveying for years. As the name would suggest, fronds are generally (although not always) twisted and have smooth edges and a distinct central rib. Despite being a foreign introduction, its never caused any problems, just the little buzz of joy in seeing something so peculiar bobbing about in the sea. The table includes an estimate for each of the broad groups of living seaweeds and seagrasses and beach-cast seaweeds and seagrasses in Scottish waters, based on available data. These 14 species were chosen because they're good indicator species a species whose presence, absence or abundance reflects a specific environmental factor. I hang it and other kelps on my washing line to dry, a habit thats cemented my reputation for being a bit odd. A frequent mistake by those concerned with shore monitoring is to interpret their presence as indicating "bad conditions". Recommendation is to cut at a height of 15 to 25 cm above the holdfast. Indeed, one of them is now our production coordinator and he knows everything there is to know about everything! He continues, As we are driven by the tides, harvesting is not a full-time job but by bringing more activity into Wick, which we have started this year, we can offer more stable employment for people as well., Peter adds: When we started, no one had a clue about seaweed. Edible; used as a curry-like spice. What I cant eat fresh, I wash and dry on my daughters trampoline in the garden. Peacocks tail is something of a south-coast specialty. Pollack often power upwards and attack any bait fish or sand eels, that come into vision. Amid the flotsam and jetsam on our beaches lies a rich abundance of brown, green and red seaweeds which can be put to good culinary and cosmetic use. Air bladders help seaweeds float so they can reach the sunlight and photosynthesize at the ocean surface. Ulva lactuca often does not grow in large patches, so harvesting can be a labour intensive effort which only yields small amounts. The two dominant groups of large seaweeds on the shore, wracks and kelps, generally have different habitat preferences. Building resilience to climate change is also a cross-cutting theme. Begin rolling slowly. Exposed at low tide. They are widely distributed in colder zones and are absent from tropical waters. It is expected that the type and scale of wild harvesting will generally continue at or around current levels, in the immediate and near future until after the seaweed review has reported. Small, pink or purple seaweed with a feathery structure. 3.10.3. Figure 4: Generalised littoral and sublittoral zonation of wracks and kelps on a sheltered shore (adapted from Hiscock (1979)). Higher level objectives which direct environmental protection and sustainable development and use are set out in international conventions, European Directives, and UK and Scottish strategy and law, in particular the National Marine Plan. For an overall understanding of the basic requirements for the cultivation of any type of seaweed, read Santelices (1999). I collect about 65lb every year. Within the photic zone species may also be zoned based on their light requirements or their tolerance to damaging wave action around the low water mark. The effects of wave action occur in both the littoral and sublittoral zones of rocky shores: in general, species can be recognised as characteristic of shelter or characteristic of wave exposure [8] . Distribution: Found in the mid to upper shore, generally on mussel-covered rocks. Published. Figure 4 to Figure 7 illustrate zonation of seaweed species, based on these tolerances. Peter shared with me what he believes is behind a better food system in the Highlands: It all connects with wellbeing. Edible; used as a thickening agent. The black kites in Figure 6: Generalised littoral and sublittoral zonation of wracks and kelps on a shore with a substratum of pebbles and gravel (adapted from Hiscock (1979))indicate the vertical range of occurrence of each species with very approximate abundance at any height or depth indicated by the width of the kite. 21 November 2018. . 3.4.1. The chemical common to both is dimethyl sulphide. Multiple boats operating along the Norwegian and Icelandic coasts can carry dozens of tons each. This method involves the collection of beach-cast species from the strandline by hand. The Crown Estate applies a proportionate approach to the leasing of wild harvesting activities ( Figure 10). We are pioneers in the sustainable farming of seaweed in the UK and promote responsible management of the ocean's resources. Any application for a marine licence must be considered against the need to protect the environment, human health and legitimate use of the sea. Intertidal. The research on how to determine the biomass of each species at each site started in 2014 and is part of the huge effort made prior to harvesting to develop SHOREs unique strategy to ensure a sustainable practice and to minimise their impact on the coastal ecosystem. This brown seaweed has paired air bladders (which look like bubbles). Edible. A3.32 Kelp in variable or reduced salinity, A5.52 Kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral sediment. Table 5: Classification of commercial wild harvesting methods. Seaweed soaks up nutrients from the sea, which is why its so good for you, but it can also soak up whatever else is there. This may involve the collection of 'baseline' data and studies to assess the effects. The review found that Scotland's seaweed sector currently delivers an estimated gross value added (GVA) of 510,000 and employs around 60 people, with small, artisan style businesses leading the domestic sector. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in marine temperate waters, Wild Seaweed Harvesting as a Diversification Opportunity for Fishermen, Wild seaweed harvesting: strategic environmental assessment, Managing the human activities that have an impact on Scotlands seas, Physical characteristics and ocean acidification, Natural capital, ecosystem services and the Blue Economy, Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST), OSPAR Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme (JAMP) 2014-2021 Update 2018, Genetic modification and translocation of indigenous species, Introduction of microbial pathogens (disease), viruses or parasites, Introduction or spread of non-indigenous species and translocations (competition), Reduction in availability or quality of prey, Removal of non-target species (including lethal), Removal of target species (including lethal), Water flow (tidal current) changes - local, Introduction of other substances (solid, liquid or gas). In addition, invasive species may dominate in niches liberated by loss of native species (Brodie et al., 2014). Small and purple, with broad, tough fronds. Hand harvesting generally takes longer to regenerate requiring a longer period before returning to harvest the same area again, Typically harvested by hand at low tide with knives, scissors or scythes, cutting above the holdfast to allow regrowth, Typically hand harvested at low tide with knives, scissors or scythes, cutting above the holdfast to allow regrowth, Common name/s: Saw wrack or Toothed wrack, Gathered by hand during May and June, and the fronds are cut at least 10 cm from the mushroom-like base, Hand harvested by wading, diving or cutting from a small boat at low tide using knives, scissors or scythes. There is growing commercial interest in Scotland in the seaweed resource as properties of various species and potential uses in various products are being recognised. Table 7: Summary of potential future harvesting activities in Scotland, Islands of the southern Firth of Lorn in Argyll (Garvellachs, Scarba, Luing, Easdale, Seil, Insh Lunga, Fladda, Eilean dubh mor, Eilean dubh beag, Mull (near Loch Buie), north shore of Jura). scallop dredging) that physically disturb the underlying substrate. Harvesting is often done by hand and knife at low tide. Jongga, Four Seas, Nongshim) seaweed as food for livestock [20] Peters tells me that, This stamp is really important to us because of the levels we go to to be sustainable., In 2015 SHORE started an Environmental Impact Assessment which Peter explains: We have four locations on our sites around Caithness where we carry out research on the community of plants and animals on the shore around the seaweed. The main species harvested in biomass terms is egg or knotted wrack. We've split the species into three groups to highlight the environmental change they indicate. Seaweeds, or marine macroalgae, are plant-like organisms that live in coastal areas, usually attached to rocks or other substrates. The marine pressure list has been adapted for use in Scotland via work on the Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST). They've found their way to our seas - mostly due to human activity - and settled here. Overall, the wild seaweed harvesting industry is small-scale, harvesting a range of brown (wracks or kelp), red and green seaweeds. When we talk about farming and food production, we often think about sheep pasture or cereal fields, but of course not all of our food comes from the land. Seaweeds in Ireland. Ocean acidification is likely to result in the loss of maerl habitat (Brodie et al., 2014). Today seaweed continues to be used in a variety of products. It has an unfamiliar taste, so we wanted to find ways to introduce it to people and make it easier to use and eat because it is so healthy, local and sustainable.. Collection or foraging of seaweed in small quantities for personal use is considered to be akin to "blackberrying" and does not require a lease. Current Regulation of Wild Harvesting. Grows on rocks in mid-zone of shores. across the British Isles. This unusual seaweed varies in colour from pink to white. the infralittoral zone). And the taste is very similar if you forget the fairly strong flavour of iodine. Wakame was first recorded in the UK in 1994, where it arrived from the temperate waters of Japan, China and Korea. 3.7.1. They are extraordinarily tough, having adapted to survive being exposed and submerged by the tides. It is of critical importance for regulating climate by controlling cloud formation and most of it comes from seaweeds. In cases where The Crown Estate is the landowner, a lease for wild harvesting operations will be issued to operators who collect seaweed for commercial reward. There is a lot of noise about how wonderful seaweed is but it is quite an alien and forgotten food. In the west region maerl is found within sea lochs and inlets on the mainland such as the Sound of Arisaig and Loch Laxford and areas such as Loch nam Madadh and the Sound of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. This species is an example of a seaweed thats found a use as a cosmetic as an anti-ageing cream. Wireweed has long, stringy fronds covered in hundreds of tiny round air bladders. The closely related and morphologically very similar R. cirrhosa is not widespread in Scotland. The black kites on Figure 4 indicate the vertical range of each species; the width of the kite indicates approximate abundance at any height or depth. Thongweed has long, narrow straps with no air bladders and grows in large clumps. reading for all who are involved in land management for nature conservation, ID notes: Dark reddish-purple branching seaweed which appears iridescent when submerged. There is an increased interest in seaweed cultivation, production is still small scale and limited information is available but this a potential area for future growth. To view full details of the literature source, click the title. The trial also includes growing sea urchins on some of the seaweed. Gutweed Chlorophyta ( Ulva intestinalis) A seaweed of the upper shore, gutweed is able to tolerate very low salinities. More than 50% of the UK coastline is situated in Scotland under legislative jurisdiction; therefore, there is a great opportunity for regionally focused economic development by the rational use of sustainable marine bio-sources. Take a little here and there, and remove just a part of each specimen, carefully, with scissors. Crown Estate Scotland leasing costs: The current approach to leasing, which has been Figure 12: The classification of ecosystem services and goods and benefits. horticultural and agricultural applications. Attaches to the rock with a claw-like holdfast which allows it to survive in rough subtidal conditions. There are fewer records of kelps on the east coast of Scotland, where much of the seabed is composed of sand ( SNH, undated), although some significant patches of kelps do occur, particularly along the northeast and southeast Scottish coast. That is because it can bring land-originated pollution onto the shore. These can be abiotic (physical or chemical features) or biotic factors, such as biological competition. How the supply chain for various seaweed industries may develop. The ecosystem services that have been scoped into this SEA are described in more detail in the relevant sections of this Environmental Report. Both common and Latin names come from the fronds, which are, in fact, tiny tubes. Three of the original team are still with us and their combined 13 years of experience of seaweed harvesting makes them the core of our crew. Harvesting is done by hand cutting or raking, usually in late summer. Also on the height of the mechanical cutter is set to above the seabed relative to tidal state. 3.3.1. When the tide goes out it often forms huge piles. Also known as zicai in Chinese or gim in Korean, nori is perhaps the most recognisable seaweed on this list. Manual seaweed harvesters first encircle the cutting area with a rope or net and cut within this area. Carragheen contains complex carbohydrates called carragheenans, which have a talent for setting a panna cotta. Kelps are mainly found on suitable rocky areas all around the Scottish coastline, most extensively around Skye and the west coast mainland, as well as along the coast of the Inner and Outer Hebrides ( e.g. Here are 12 for you to spot and identify. Further detail and regular reporting of progress is available on the seaweed review web pages. * marine licences have been issued to remove kelp from around power station water intakes. What to look for when buying seaweed Seaweed can be foraged, with a plentiful supply on the UK's coastline. This takes place either through the cultivation of a single species or as part of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) development. Although this species is also known as sea spaghetti, I prefer thongweed because it brings those sea nymphs to mind. These devices operate in areas of rocky substrate and therefore differ from other forms of dredging ( e.g. There is considerable diversity in form and life-style amongst seaweeds (Wilkinson, 2001 and 2002). Kelp grows in "underwater forests" (kelp forests) in shallow oceans, and is thought to have appeared in the Miocene, 5 to 23 million years ago. Like a bayleaf, its removed after cooking, its flavour-enhancing glutamates left behind. 3.13.1. The many browns, greens and reds of the seaweeds are naturally arranged for greatest artistic effect and currents and small waves dramatically change the view every few seconds as the fronds slip over one another and the light changes. Indeed, we have been running trial seaweed farms for more than 10 years. Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies. In Scotland, hand cutting has been the most common method of harvesting in the wild (Burrows et al., 2010; Scottish Executive, 2001). Community Growing Coordinator experience. Maerl is usually restricted to places such as the sills of fjords and fjards (sea lochs in Scotland), together with the shores to the leeward of headlands and island archipelagos (Lancaster et al., 2014a). Foraging sea greens is great fun, but watch the tides and take care to collect them away from any potential sources of pollution. this page. 3.6.1. While green and red seaweeds are classified in the Kingdom Plantae, which also includes all of the worlds land plants, brown seaweeds belong to the Kingdom Chromista and are more related to algae, diatoms and protozoans. Farming will hopefully open up new markets for seaweed, which will solve what Peter tells me is one of the biggest challenges the industry faces: There is a willingness to produce seaweed and there is a wonderful product but there are gaps of clear routes to market. Peter goes on to explain why farming might help: Farming is all about producing fast-growing seaweed for a wider variety of applications which includes food but also a more diverse range including bioplastics and speciality ingredients. He adds, By growing volume through farming there are a lot of things you can do at a lower price than wild harvesting., The seaweed industry in the Highlands can be a great support for local communities.