Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis
Description: Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed closely related to Fucus. It forms single bladders centrally in long, strap-like fronds. The fronds hang downwards, gently draping sheltered intertidal rocks. A number of fronds grow from each basal holfast, and the plant generally regenerates new fronds from the base when one of the larger fronds are damaged, so that the stands you see on the shore may be very persistant indeed. Reproduction takes place in beautiful yellow receptacles in spring (below). These develop in reponse to short days in the autumn, mature during the winter, and are at their most prolific in spring. Eggs and sperm are released into the water, and the eggs release a low molecular weight sperm attractant (pheromone) known as Finnavarene, named for the village of Finavarra ("wood by the sea") in north Co. Clare, Ireland.
Distribution: Ascophyllum is currently confined to
the North Atlantic basin. Plants have occasionally been found in
San Francisco Bay, but the species does not persist there. The
plants are used as packing for shellfish from the North Atlantic
and when discarded may briefly establish populations.
Usage: Ascophyllum is used for the extraction of
alginic acid, a
cell-wall polysaccharide used in foods, pharmacology and
biotechnology. Plants are sustainably harvested in USA, Canada,
Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland and France. In Connemara, it
is cut sustainably by hand for high-quality meal for animals,
and as an agricultural fertilizer. Some 18-20,000 t are
currently harvested sustainably annually by hand in the region
since 1940s and transported by road to a drying plant at Cill
Chiaráin (Kilkerrin, Co. Galway) in Connemara on the west
coast of Ireland run by
Arramara Teo.
Beds are cut on a 4- or 5-year cycle depending on local
conditions.
Link: Algaebase
Photographs © M.D. Guiry
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