Air bladders help seaweeds float so they can reach the sunlight and photosynthesize at the ocean surface. Peter shared with me what he believes is behind a better food system in the Highlands: It all connects with wellbeing. Fife; Loch Sunart (Salen to Glenmore Bay); Ardnamurchan; Bute. Indeed, seaweed is a natural superfood that is packed with minerals. Seagrass species in Scotland comprise Zostera marina [5] , Z. noltii, and Ruppia maritima [6] . A brown kelp up to 2m long, with frilly fronds. This species originates in Japanese waters and was first recorded in the UK in 1973. Where plants are removed accidentally then every other plant is either cut or removed in a patch. Initial indications are, that in early stages of development, seaweed for biofuel may be a mix of cultivated and wild harvested seaweed. The wracks are almost entirely intertidal, while the kelps dominate the subtidal, forming the kelp forest, but also extend into the lowest intertidal just above the low water mark. Interest in cultivation is increasing but still small scale and/or experimental. More information on the various regions used in SMA2020 is available on theAssessment processes and methods page. Manual seaweed harvesters first encircle the cutting area with a rope or net and cut within this area. It originates in the Pacific and Indian oceans. We review the importance of seaweeds in general, and more specifically, wrack brown seaweeds which are washed from the sea and accumulated in the wrack zone and their . The two main types harvested are Ascophyllum nodosum (egg wrack/ knotted wrack) and kelp, usually Laminaria hyperborea, and these comprise the largest volumes harvested. Distribution: Rocky shores and estuaries, on rocks and in pools in the lower intertidal and upper subtidal zones. It was a difficult species to cultivate until breakthrough work by the English phycologist, Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker in 1949, when she published the life cycle of Porphyra species. 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. ID notes: This yellow-brown seaweed has long fronds reaching up to two metres in length. The use of seaweed dates back centuries and as an incredibly diverse algae, it lends itself to a variety of purposes. Biogeographic, Charting Progress 2 (CP2) Regions. A3.11 Kelp with cushion fauna and/or foliose red seaweeds, A3.21 Kelp and red seaweeds (moderate energy infralittoral rock), A3.33 Mediterranean submerged fucoids, green or red seaweeds on full salinity infralittoral rock. 3.13.3. Progress of this review is reported here. Here are 10 types of seaweed you should know. An overview of the distribution of each broad group and key corresponding EUNIS habitats is provided in Table 3. All harvesting would be by hand though access to shoreline will be by boat. Over 235 species are described in detail, with colour photographs, information on habitat, distribution and confusion species. As its name suggests, serrated wrack has sharp toothed edges on flattened fronds. This makes all UK beaches - rocky, shingly or sandy - a good place to forage for them. and Alaria esculenta of solid bedrock shores do not occur here. 3.14.1. SC051354, Now closed: Were Hiring! Harvesting of each species would be annual as each species grows rapidly each year. In addition to reducing the environmental impact of intensive fish aquaculture, IMTA systems add value to the investment in finfish aquaculture by increasing the yield of total biomass produced on a single site (Barrington, Chopin & Robinson, 2009). ID notes: Forms fronds of variable shape which are thin and membranous. Peter tells me: We saw a transformational opportunity to build our own brand using seaweed as a star ingredient. Thongweed forms dense populations that look like very coarse hair draped over the rocks at low tide. 3.13.1. Other species hand harvested, in smaller volumes, include: kelps, other wrack species, carragheens (Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus), dulse (Palmaria palmata), pepper dulse (Osmundea spp.) A growing . Research to understand the key areas of growth potential for the seaweed sector and the wider economic and social impacts of possible growth scenarios. ID notes: Forms long undivided blades that are yellow-brown in colour and have ruffled sides. "There is current interest and there may be more interest in future in new types of seaweed harvesting in Scottish water. As one schoolboy exclaimed during a demonstration of seaweed cookery I once gave at my daughters school: Yuck, hes making pudding out of snot.. It came first to France, arriving with the cultivated Pacific oyster, then made its way to the south coast of England. A frequent mistake by those concerned with shore monitoring is to interpret their presence as indicating "bad conditions". 3.12. Green seaweed with spongy texture resembling deer antler velvet. If you find yourself enjoying your seaweed studies, why not contribute to the Natural History Museums Big Seaweed Search. Intertidal. This includes objectives to ensure the proper consideration of ecosystem services in all relevant sectors of policy and decision-making and to halt their loss. Grows on rocks in mid-zone of shores. The seaweed is loaded onto small boats and transferred to a sheltered area for loading onto a lorry, Recovery of growing seaweed varies according to harvesting method, frequency of cutting and time of year. Just like their terrestrial counterparts, many types of seaweed are healthy, low-calorie food sources. 3.2.2. 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. Seaweeds also have plant-like cell walls. VAT number: 321491232. Positions higher up the shore in the intertidal or littoral zone are more stressful because the organisms, which are marine, have to withstand increased periods out of seawater, exposed to the drying effect of air, and the salinity shock of fresh rainwater. Ecosystem services are the outputs of ecosystems from which people and society derive benefits. They can outcompete other native species for food, light or space, forcing them to move or die out altogether. Peter also says that, NatureScot (formally known as Scottish Natural Heritage) reviewed our harvesting methods and when we do our initial site assessments, we research the protection for wildlife, like birds, around that site and this assessment, along with other criteria, is used to choose our harvesting sites., SHOREs products have also achieved Soil Associations organic certification which commends the sustainability of their operations and their sensitivity to their environmental impact. But its beauty is just the start. However, there are a few species that are specially adapted to live on exposed shores so its always worth a look there. A seaweed review commenced in 2019 to gather evidence on the sustainability of current and future seaweed harvesting activity and consider opportunities to grow the wider sector. 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. Like a bayleaf, its removed after cooking, its flavour-enhancing glutamates left behind. 3.14.7. Also known as native oysters, these incredible bivalves live on the seabed in shallow coastal estuaries. These have been used as the assessment areas for hazardous substances. The seaweed is cut about 12 inches from the base and the stump that is left will then regenerate in 3 to 4 years. Only then will the cell structure break down to release the intense umami flavour locked inside. shores abraded by coarse sand in strong wave action, they may be naturally abundant. We check out six common varieties of seaweed and their food applications. Harvested by hand at low tide; fronds above the stipe should only be harvested in mature plants. The serious amount of planning, research and efforts that has been put into developing SHORE is admirable and will hopefully be an inspiration to all food producers, on land and sea. But there is really only so much we can do. Copy available, Harvesting takes place all year round and the cutting is carried out either manually using a knife/sickle or mechanically using a seaweed harvesting boat. The wider socioeconomic consequences on other industries and communities that may arise from both the direct and indirect impacts from local seaweed-based industries. To find out more about SHORE, visit their website here. A brown kelp with a frilled stem and large bulbous holdfast that attaches to rocks. Some mechanical cutting of egg or knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) takes place and may be increasing. Forms a dense carpet in pools on rocky shores. 3.2. 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. A2.61 Seagrass beds on littoral sediments. The organisms require nutrient-rich . 3.12.2. There is considerable diversity in form and life-style amongst seaweeds (Wilkinson, 2001 and 2002). 4 Seaweed Farming Feasibility Study for Argyll and Bute (November 2019) 78. In other countries, it is harvested by specially designed seaweed trawlers that use a dredge. Individual cutters handle their own cutting areas and rotate the areas cut to ensure sustainability, A mechanical seaweed harvester may also be used. These 14 species were chosen because they're good indicator species - a species whose presence, absence or abundance reflects a specific environmental factor. An important ingredient in miso soup is something called kombu. by product type), scale (volumes, turnover, Gross Value Added (GVA) and employment) and location of seaweed based industries that may establish in Scotland. Figure d: Mixed kelps on a shallower wave exposed reef NatureScot. High levels of soluble fibre, supporting healthy digestion. Figure 2: Seaweed harvesting by hand. 3.6.1. However, it is considered likely that this habitat will occur wherever there is a beach located close to kelp habitat for example along the beaches on the southwest coast of the Outer Hebrides, parts of the Inner Hebrides ( e.g. Further guidance on the information required to support an application for a marine licence will be issued by Marine Scotland on completion of the consultation on this Environmental Report. We have harvested seaweed in one of them whilst leaving the other untouched in order to compare them and understand the impacts that our hand harvesting has. He continues, We have been doing a days worth of survey every year at each of these sites and we are coming to the point now where we have enough data to understand the impact. Intertidal. The marine licensing regime - provided under section 21(1) (item 6) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 - may regulate the removal of seaweed in those cases where a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, marine structure or floating container is used to remove the seaweed from the seabed. Brown algae (class Phaeophyceae) commonly found as seaweeds include kelps and Fucus. Edible; eaten as laver bread. A range of shellfish has been used in the Scottish Salmon Company trial including: mussels, oysters and queen scallops, each of which has established markets, as well as sea urchins which are less established. Place your toppings in a line at the top of the square or rice. These are our busiest times of the year when we are pushing hardest on production. Further information on these target seaweed and seagrass species is included in Appendix C (Table C1 ), including their general distribution on the shore, growth cycles, and. The policy framework for this topic also explores the actions required to understand the necessary adaptation responses within the marine environment. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Depending on the dredge design, juvenile plants can be avoided. This species starts its life growing as a small button-like structure on the rocks. The range of methods that are currently used to commercially harvest wild seaweeds, and that could potentially be used to harvest seagrasses, can be classified into five broad groups ( Table 5). The kelps are among the largest algae; certain species of Macrocystis and Nereocystis of the Pacific and Antarctic regions exceed 33 metres (100 feet) in length. These objectives range from broad commitments to protection and enhancement of key species and habitats, to objectives that focus specifically on conserving marine ecosystems. After an assessment has been completed it may be appropriate for an ' EIA-type' process, of Screening, Scoping and Environmental Statement stages to be applied. We've split the species into three groups to highlight the environmental change they indicate. Share Be particularly restrained with laver, as it is possible to strip a beach of this seaweed in two . Intertidal. 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. Gutweed Chlorophyta ( Ulva intestinalis) A seaweed of the upper shore, gutweed is able to tolerate very low salinities. 3.14.4. 3.10.4. Take a little here and there, and remove just a part of each specimen, carefully, with scissors. Fife; Caithness (Ham to Scarfskerry); Bute, Fife; Caithness (Ham to Scarfskerry); Loch Sunart (Salen to Glenmore Bay); Ardnamurchan; Bute. Most harvesting involves hand cutting with limited gathering of beach-cast seaweed. Edible; used as a curry-like spice. 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. Collect sea buckthorn berries on long beach walks, poke around rock pools at low tide for shellfish, put out lobster pots or fish inshore for mackerel, or forage for healthy edible seaweed - dulce for instance is a red seawood, which is a hit with vegetarians . Community Growing Coordinator Kelps are large brown algae or seaweeds that make up the order Laminariales.There are about 30 different genera. Small scale projects would be 'screened out' of such requirements, if appropriate, following consultation. A lease tends to be for a three year period at the end of which a report must be submitted to inform a review of the sustainability of the harvesting practice, approval of which will allow the lease to be renewed. And the common name? Recommendation is to cut at a height of 15 to 25 cm above the holdfast. new product information and updates, reports of conferences and letters. when you subscribe to BBC Wildlife magazine. Right: Peter Elbourne, You dont want to harvest seaweed from a busy, industrialised body of water. living and/or beach-cast). Alterations to temperature, pH and sea levels along with several other factors may result in community shifts which have the potential to affect the ecological functions and ecosystem services currently provided by seaweeds (Jackson et al., 2012). Table 4: Target seaweed and seagrass species for harvesting. 3.3.1. Edible. Economic Feasibility Study on Seaweed Crown Estate Scotland, March 2021 Page iii Licensing timescales: A service with a faster response time than is currently the case would be welcomed, including additional support and hand-holding. SHORE are licensed to pick wild seaweed on their sites and they stick to a quota which means they can only harvest 20% of the biomass of each of the 17 species of seaweed they use each year. Found in rockpools and on lower shore. A monster of a seaweed, its our largest at up to four yards in length. British Wildlife is the leading natural history magazine in the UK, providing essential reading 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. Hand cutting and gathering can also include baling of the seaweed to be towed by boat and also the use of boat to rake seaweed. In Scotland, very abundant and dense seaweed climax communities at Joppa in the Firth of Forth have been replaced by a stable mussel-barnacle community, owing to effects of Edinburgh's sewage discharge (Wilkinson, 2002; Wilkinson et al., 1987). And it comes at a relatively little cost to the environment, when you do it right. At the end of 2018, SHORE became the first seaweed company in Scotland to put a farm at sea. Operations involving the harvesting of living or beach-cast seaweed in the wild, with some exceptions, require the permission of the relevant landowner. Here are 12 for you to spot and identify. Figure 8: Location of current commercial harvesting activities in Scotland. However, the resource is harvested elsewhere in Europe using dredges and grabs (Grall & Hall-Spencer, 2003; Blunden et al., 1975), e.g. A glossy, golden-brown kelp up to 2m long, with distinctive fingers on broad fronds. 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.. 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.