EcoHarvest

Comparing methods of wild seaweed harvesting

Working with the EcoHarvest project was a great way to get my feet wet (literally) in sustainable resource management research. To the right, you can watch the video I made about the methods we used in the field and in the laboratory. I was lucky enough to work with two of my wonderful IMBRSea classmates and got to meet the industry partners for this project!

Click here to see more information on EcoHarvest

More on seaweed harvesting

Ascophyllum nodosum

This species of seaweed is harvested for use in a range of different products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives

Harvesting rake

This view of the harvesting rake shows the blade that cuts through the seaweed to detach it from the substrate

Protective bumpers

On the sides of the rake, you can see the protective bumpers which keep the harvester from cutting too close to the rocks

Acquired Skills

Planning and executing a sampling strategy

Working with the EcoHarvest project helped me to gain experience in executing a fieldwork project. By talking with the PhD student leading the project, I was able to understand how she set up the sampling strategies and why she chose her methodology. Every night during our week of fieldwork, we made a plan for the next day according to the tasks, tide tables, and schedules of our industry partners. I came away with an appreciation for how much time and planning it takes to sort out the logistics of a research project like this.

Communicating with industry partners

Logistics for the project included coordinating sampling sites with the seaweed harvesters and representative from the seaweed purchasing company. We had to communicate sampling strategies and site selection. I was also able to learn about the harvesting techniques they used as we were able to observe the harvest taking place.

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