What Causes Seaweed to Come to Shore
Seaweed is a natural marine plant that drifts along ocean-currents and winds up at shorelines around the world. Despite its ubiquity, many people remain unaware of what causes seaweed to be brought to shore or how it affects the environment. From understanding the science of seaweed to exploring the cultural history of its harvest, this article will provide an in-depth look into the natural systems and global influences behind the arrival of seaweed to the coast.
Seaweed Ecology
Though seaweed might seem autonomous in its drifting, its movement is largely a product of its environment. Seaweed is able to float due to its air-filled vascular systems as well as its ability to adsorb water, and it moves with the force of ocean currents and waves which can transport it far from its original location. Certain species of seaweed, such as Ulva Lactuca, can be spread through its propagules—the reproductive cells that are dispersed through water as part of its life cycle. While seaweed is most often associated with warmer, tropical climates, it can also thrive in colder waters such as those off the coast of New England. Studies on global seaweed migration have documented biological pathways that move seaweed from one region to another from the east coast of Brazil to western Europe.
Impacts of Seaweed in the Environment
The ecological impacts of seaweed on the environment can be far reaching and essential to natural balance. It is a major food source for a wide variety of ocean wildlife, from fish to amphibious fishes, sponges, and molluscs. Seaweed also serves as nutrients for coastal marshes and provides structure for coral reefs and its algae-covered surfaces provide a perfect disguise for many microorganisms to hide. Through its photosynthesis, seaweed also produces oxygen that is necessary to sustain the entire marine food web. From a commercial perspective, seaweed is also beneficial. Through the process of aquaculture, seaweed can be farmed and harvested as a food source for other species such as oysters and lobsters.
Harvest and Cultural Uses of Seaweed
Seaweed has been used in cultures around the world for centuries. It has culinary applications in many cuisines, including as wraps for sushi, salads, and soups. Seaweed is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making seaweed forage a significant source of nutrition. Historically, seaweed was also used as fertilizer since it replenishes minerals necessary for agricultural crops. As it has showcased such a range of uses, seaweed harvesting has become a critical and highly regulated industry for many countries. From Australia, to the UK, to the Netherlands, countries have established laws around harvesting seaweed through size restrictions, seasonal limitations, and areas where it can be harvested.
Environmental Management of Seaweed
Seaweed is also subject to the effects of climate change as the ocean environment has been subjected to increasing levels of extrapolation from pollutants and rising ocean temperatures. With warming temperatures, seaweed can become more susceptible to disease and bacteria and areas with heavy nutrient runoff can encourage rapid algal blooms that can deplete oxygen levels in the water. Changes in seaweed populations can also have global implications as seaweed provides a powerful carbon sink, able to absorb 5 times the carbon dioxide of a terrestrial forest. This can put countries, and the global community, at risk of losing a powerful ecological defense against climate change.
Global Seaweed Industry
As its global demand grows,many entrepreneurs and scientists have been experimenting with new ways to unleash the potential of seaweed. The global seaweed industry is forecasted to reach over $90 billion by 2027, with traditional methods of harvesting being greatly supplemented by aquaculture farms and biotechnologies. From algae-based plastics to bioenergy, through different forms of processing, seaweed is becoming a crucial commodity for many countries around the world.
Political Dimensions of Seaweed
Politics has been a crucial factor in the harvest, marketing, and regulation of seaweed. In many countries, authorities have been slow to recognize and protect seaweed farming due to unorganized industry standards. In developing countries, the fisheries sector has limited government resources, and in some cases, marginalized communities lack access to benefits from the industry. This has further put certain populations at risk of resource exploitation, and therefore NGOs and local governments alike are pushing for sustainable fishing practices and equitable industry policy.
Global Policy Imperative
The importance of seaweed and the future of its industry represent a global policy imperative. Some of its uses and effects are just starting to be fully understood, so the need for further research and collaboration are essential for the future of this powerful resource. To secure this opportunity, governments must adopt comprehensive policy interventions that unify standards around seaweed farming, ensure equitable access, and incentivize innovation. Furthermore, effective law enforcement and data collection are needed to improve industry transparency and ensure sustainability in the long-term
Local Communities and Seaweed
As the global need for seaweed continues to grow, so too does the importance of supporting local communities who depend on it. Seaweed is deeply embedded in coastal cultures around the world and is a long-time source of income for many families. Establishing equitable and environmentally friendly harvesting practices can provide locals with a more predictable and sustainable income from the industry. Organizations such as the Global Seaweed Alliance are dedicated to preserving organic seaweed harvesting methods and supporting local economies.
Seaweed and Society
The story of seaweed brings to light the connection between human activity and its effects on the ocean environment. As people scramble to secure resources from the coasts, it is essential to ensure that these resources are managed sustainably, and that those who depend on them are empowered to participate in the management of their own resources. Local initiatives such as women’s seaweed cooperatives demonstrate that, by understanding and protecting the needs of coastal communities, the benefits of seaweed can be shared by everybody.
Future of Seaweed
Though seaweed has faced many difficulties, its future is looking promising. Recent technologies and partnerships are leading to significant changes in seaweed fields, from reducing pollutants to developing new economic models and growth opportunities for coastal communities. As the exploration of seaweed continues, there is potential to uncover more of the ecological and economic benefits of seaweed, and create solutions to better protect the coastlines we depend on.
