The Benefits of Sustainably-Harvested Seaweed
Seaweed is abundant in England, although it should only be hand-harvested by sustainable experts who ‘give seaweed a haircut’, not removing the roots. Fish live in kelp forests, which also helps to prevent coastal erosion.
Keep dogs away from seaweed (fronds can expand in the stomach as they dry). Seaweed can also be slippery at the beach. Read our post on keeping dogs safe at the seaside.
England has over 600 species of seaweed (mostly native species) although warming coastal temperatures is (like on land) affecting growing, due to climate change.
The most common type is bladderwrack (the type that looks a bit like ‘bubble wrap’ with big air bubbles). Only about 20 species of seaweed are edible, though others are also used in beauty care and some are dehydrated to make seaweed salts. Agar-agar is a gelatine alternative, for culinary use.
Avoid seaweed food products for thyroid/iodine medical issues.
The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company offers a seaweed soap (no fragrance) made with hand-harvested sustainable seaweed and vegetable oils (no palm oil). Also in a scented version with lemongrass, lime and bergamot (choose unscented for pregnancy/nursing).
The natural dog shampoo contains scent, so never use on cats nor for allergies: read our post on giving dogs baths. Experts suggest to use warm water around 37 degrees celsius. And avoid getting water in a dog’s ears, nose, mouth or eyes.
An Alternative Income to Fishing
Sustainable seaweed farming is increasingly being used as an alternative to fishing, giving people who previously caught fish (cod is now endangered) a new profession, using similar skills for more profit.
Unlike forests (which are sometimes cleared to make paper), seaweed can be sustainably harvested without removing the whole plant. So it grows back year after year.
Unlike most crops, seaweed thrives in seawater, and on sunlight. There is no need to use precious fresh water (unlike say the livestock industry), nor fertilisers or pesticides. This helps to save not just natural resources, but avoids the pollution that often happens with land-based farming.
And unlike huge trawlers, local seaweed farmers are run on a small-scale, helping to keep money in local economies, and doing no harm to the planet or oceans.
