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Seaweed Haircuts!
Sustainably Wild Harvesting Seaweed from Sooke to Port Renfrew
Vancouver Island Is A Gift Wrapped In Seaweed
Windswept and wild stretches of exposed, rocky shorelines are interspersed with mature forests of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce. Black bears, cougars, and wolves roam as eagles spread their wings and take flight. Dive into the fascinating world of wild harvesting seaweed along the stunning coast of Sooke to Port Renfrew. Learn about sustainable practices, the incredible growth rate of kelps, and discover two delightful seaweed recipes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Sustainable Seaweed Harvesting:
Welcome to the enchanting realm of “Seaweed Haircuts”!
Join us on an adventure along the picturesque coastline of Sooke to Port Renfrew as we explore the art of wild harvesting seaweed using sustainable practices. Discover the hidden wonders beneath the waves, learn about the remarkable growth rate of kelps, and indulge in two mouthwatering seaweed recipes that will leave you craving for more.
We prioritize sustainable practices when it comes to our harvest, this is our home. This is the Real Wealth, that we all enjoy!
Experienced harvesters, we carefully select mature seaweed while leaving younger algae undisturbed, ensuring the preservation and regeneration of this precious marine resource. By using hand tools and sustainable harvesting techniques, we maintain the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem, allowing seaweed to thrive.
The Incredible Growth Rate of Kelps:
Did you know that kelps are some of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, capable of growing up to 2 feet per day? These magnificent marine algae harness the power of sunlight and nutrients in the ocean to achieve this extraordinary growth rate.
Sustainable Natural Resource
The intertidal zone at low tide is brimming with dense growths of colourful seaweed: tufts of bright green sea lettuce sway in the current, and red algae floats to the water’s surface, collecting light in a rainbow of colours. Orcas, otters, sea lions, seals, and humpback whales pass in the distant deeper waters. Lichens drape below tree branches, and green moss springs beneath tall ferns. In the absence of everyday noise, the peaceful silence is interrupted only by the chirping of birds as rolling waves crash on the beach. Mist hangs in the air and shines like gold in the sun.
Tucked in between the towering rainforest and the Salish Sea of the Pacific Ocean, the intertidal zone is teeming with life. Sea urchins, blue mussels, star fish, hermit crabs, and sea anemones populate the ridges of shale and quartz that run along the coast. This is our home on the pristine, wild West Coast of Canada. This is where our seaweed harvest takes place.
Every decision we make is guided by our dedication and commitment to the health of our marine ecosystem, starting with our attentive harvesting, and picking seaweed fronds by hand, one by one. Sustainable seaweed harvesting means the methods we use guarantee the regrowth of these valuable sea vegetables for generations to come.
Environmental preservation is paramount to us at Seaflora. In one of the rare places on earth where the ocean is wild and the coastline untouched, sustainable harvesting and environmental preservation are our heartfelt commitment to the land and sea.
Tangy Seaweed Sauce
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh seaweed (such as nori or dulse)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, soy sauce, chopped seaweed, honey, and black pepper.
- Whisk until well blended and smooth.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Serve as a delicious dipping sauce for sushi, seafood, or as a tangy dressing for salads.
Because We Care About Our Environment
Seaflora customizes harvesting techniques for each seaweed in order to leave the reproductive portion intact.
Each year, our seaweeds and ocean water are scientifically tested to enforce the strictest standards and ensure that Seaflora continues to be the world leader in the creation of pure, organic seaweed-based skincare.
Together, let us embrace the power of seaweed as a transformative force in our fight against climate change, fostering a harmonious coexistence between land and sea. By promoting responsible seaweed cultivation, protecting seaweed forests, and integrating seaweed-based solutions into our daily lives, we can unlock a sustainable future that nurtures our planet and safeguards the well-being of future generations. Let us recognize the profound value of seaweed as a natural ally, working hand in hand to create a resilient and thriving world where forests, oceans, and humanity flourish in harmony.
Seaweed Tours in Sooke
Seaflora harvests 9 species of seaweed, sea mud and sea salts to create extraordinary thalassotherapy products bursting with health benefits.
Seaweed’s Role in the Climate Initiative
Carbon Sequestration
Seaweeds are exceptional carbon sinks. They absorb substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their rapid growth. In fact, certain types of seaweed have the potential to sequester more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests. By cultivating and preserving healthy seaweed populations, we can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Ocean Acidification Mitigation
Seaweed plays a pivotal role in alleviating ocean acidification, a consequence of increased carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans. Seaweeds naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the water, helping to reduce its acidity and create a healthier marine environment. By maintaining robust seaweed populations, we can safeguard marine ecosystems and preserve the delicate balance of oceanic life.
Biodiversity Support
Seaweed forests serve as crucial habitats and nurseries for a wide array of marine organisms. These underwater ecosystems provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for diverse species, contributing to the overall biodiversity and health of our oceans. Protecting and restoring seaweed forests is essential for preserving marine life and promoting ecological resilience.
Nutrient Cycling and Oxygen Production
Seaweeds are proficient nutrient cyclers, extracting nutrients from the water column and cycling them back into the ecosystem. Their efficient uptake and recycling of essential elements help maintain water quality and support the growth of other organisms. Additionally, seaweeds are prolific oxygen producers through photosynthesis, contributing to the oxygenation of our oceans and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
Sustainable Alternative to Land-based Agriculture
Seaweed cultivation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional land-based agriculture. Seaweeds require no freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides to grow, minimizing the environmental impact associated with conventional farming. By embracing seaweed aquaculture, we can reduce pressure on land-based resources, preserve soil integrity, and promote sustainable food production.
Seaweed’s Importance to Forests and Oceans
- Seaweed plays an interconnected role in both forests and oceans, forging vital links between these ecosystems.
- Coastal Protection, providing protection against erosion and storm damage. The dense holdfasts anchor sediment, preventing shoreline degradation and preserving the integrity of coastal ecosystems.
- When seaweed washes ashore, it enriches the surrounding soil with valuable nutrients. This process contributes to the health and fertility of nearby forests, fostering the growth of trees and vegetation
Crispy Seaweed Snacks
- 1 cup dried seaweed
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cut the dried seaweed fronds into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles.
- In a bowl, toss the seaweed with sesame oil until evenly coated.
- Place the seaweed pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the seaweed.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the seaweed becomes crispy and slightly curled.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.
- Enjoy these nutritious and addictive seaweed snacks as a delightful treat!