Seaweed in BC: Superfood of the Ocean & Land, often referred to as the “forests of the sea,” plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems, particularly along the coastlines of British Columbia (BC). Beyond its ecological significance, seaweed offers many benefits ranging from environmental sustainability to human consumption and agricultural applications.
Ecological Importance of Seaweed in British Columbia
Seaweed in BC: Superfood of the Ocean & Land
British Columbia’s coastal waters are home to over 600 marine aquatic plants, boasting one of the greatest diversities of kelps globally. Among these, species like Nereocystis luetkeana (bull kelp) and Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) are prominent. These kelps form dense underwater forests that serve as critical habitats for many marine organisms.
Kelp forests provide shelter and breeding grounds for various fish species, invertebrates, and other marine life. They act as nurseries for juvenile fish, offering protection from predators and abundant food sources. This intricate habitat supports biodiversity, ensuring the resilience and productivity of marine ecosystems.
Moreover, seaweeds are highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide and nutrients from the water, mitigating ocean acidification and improving water quality. This natural filtration supports the ocean’s overall health and contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.
Seaweed’s Contributions to Terrestrial Agriculture
Beyond the ocean, seaweed has found valuable applications in terrestrial farming and agriculture:
- Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners: Rich in essential minerals and nutrients, seaweed extracts are used as natural fertilizers. They enhance soil structure, promote moisture retention, and provide trace elements vital for plant growth.
- Animal Feed Supplements: Incorporating seaweed into livestock feed has been shown to improve animal health, boost immunity, and enhance the nutritional quality of animal products.
- Biostimulants: Seaweed-derived products act as biostimulants, promoting plant growth, increasing yield, and enhancing stress resistance in crops.
Local Companies Cultivating Kelp in Partnership with Coastal First Nations
Several BC-based companies are leading sustainable seaweed cultivation initiatives in collaboration with coastal First Nations:
- Cascadia Seaweed in Sidney, BC: Founded in 2019, Cascadia Seaweed partners with coastal First Nations to cultivate local kelp species on low-impact ocean farms. They focus on producing seaweed-based biostimulants and livestock feed, offering natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and contributing to reduced agricultural emissions.
- BC Kelp in Prince Rupert, BC: specializes in the sustainable hand-harvesting of wild, edible seaweeds. They offer five ready-to-eat seaweed varieties rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, suitable for direct consumption or as a healthy seasoning.
- NAAS Foods in Tofino, BC: Operated by Indigenous entrepreneur Stevie Dennis, NAAS Foods manages BC’s largest single-tenure kelp farm. This initiative is part of an Indigenous fishery led by the chiefs of five Vancouver Island nations, which aims to reshape the local seafood industry while strengthening Indigenous rights.
- Kwiakah First Nation’s Kelp Initiative in Phillips Arm 52 km north of Campbell River: The Kwiakah First Nation has established the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence, which serves as a base for a dedicated research station, an experimental kelp farm, regenerative forestry operations, and the nation’s Indigenous guardian program. This initiative underscores their commitment to sustainable resource management and ecological restoration.
Seaweed Consumption: Harvesting and Nutritional Benefits
For boaters and coastal foragers interested in harvesting seaweed directly from the ocean, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines to ensure safety and sustainability:
- Identification: Accurately identify edible seaweed species to avoid consuming potentially harmful varieties.
- Harvesting Locations: To minimize contamination risks, collect seaweed from clean, unpolluted waters away from industrial areas, sewage outlets, or heavy boat traffic.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly rinse harvested seaweed with fresh water before consumption to remove sand, salt, and any attached marine organisms.
Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Seaweed is abundant in vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex, as well as essential minerals like iodine, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
- Dietary Fiber: High fibre content aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Antioxidants: Contain compounds that combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Protein Source: Certain seaweeds provide a notable amount of protein, which is beneficial for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Five Seaweed-Based Recipe Ideas
Incorporating seaweed into your diet can be both delicious and nutritious. Here are five recipe ideas to get you started:
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing mix of rehydrated seaweed tossed with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
- Miso Soup with Wakame: A traditional Japanese soup featuring miso broth, soft tofu cubes, and rehydrated wakame seaweed, providing warmth and umami richness.
- Kelp Smoothie: Blend kelp powder with fruits like bananas and berries, yogurt or a plant-based alternative, for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
- Seaweed Pesto: Combine dried seaweed flakes with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a unique twist on traditional pesto, perfect for pasta or as a spread.
- Seaweed Seasoned Popcorn: Sprinkle finely crushed, roasted seaweed over freshly popped popcorn for a savoury, umami-rich snack.
How To Dry Seaweed
Drying seaweed at home is easy and a great way to preserve it for future use in cooking, snacks, or seasoning. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Cleaning the Seaweed
- Rinse fresh seaweed thoroughly in cold water to remove sand, salt, or tiny marine organisms.
- If you harvested it yourself, soak it in fresh water for about 10-15 minutes to reduce excess salt.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or let it drain in a colander.
2. Air Drying (Traditional Method)
- Lay seaweed on a clean surface (like a mesh drying rack or a clean towel).
- Hang it on a clothesline in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
- It may take a few days to fully dry, depending on the humidity.
3. Sun Drying
- Spread the seaweed on a baking sheet or drying rack and place it in a sunny, dry, and breezy area.
- Flip the seaweed occasionally for even drying.
- This method works best in warm, dry climates and may take 1-2 days.
4. Oven Drying (Faster Option)
- Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 140°F / 60°C or lower).
- Place seaweed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Leave the oven slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry for 3-6 hours, flipping occasionally, until it becomes crispy and brittle.
5. Dehydrator Method (Best for Consistency)
- Set your food dehydrator to 95-115°F (35-45°C).
- Spread seaweed evenly on dehydrator trays.
- Dry for 6-12 hours, checking periodically for crispness.
This Electric Food Dehydrator is perfect for boaters. It offers compact, no-fuss drying for seaweed, fruits, and jerky. The top-mounted fan provides even airflow, and nesting trays save precious onboard storage space.
Storage Tips
- Store dried seaweed in an airtight container (like a glass jar or resealable bag).
- Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Properly dried seaweed can last months to years!
How to Use Dried Seaweed
- Rehydrate it in water for soups and salads.
- Grind it into flakes for seasoning rice, popcorn, or seafood.
- Eat it as-is for a crispy snack!
Seaweed holds immense ecological, nutritional, and economic value, particularly in regions like British Columbia. Its sustainable cultivation and diverse applications support marine health and offer promising avenues for food production and agricultural enhancement on land. Embracing seaweed’s potential can lead to healthier oceans, more sustainable food systems, and innovative solutions for agriculture—all while providing a delicious and nutrient-packed addition to our diets.
