The current rockweed, Ascophyllum nodosum, harvesting regime on the shores of Nova Scotia – a review

Abstract

Ascophyllum nodosum is an ecologically and economically valuable species of brown seaweed found in Nova Scotia. The large fronds covered in airbladders create distinctive underwater canopy ecosystems in the intertidal zone. Ascophyllum is valuable as a soil supplement and fertilizer due to its biochemical composition. Commercial harvest of this wild resource began approximately sixty years ago and has been continuously exploited since. Careful management of Ascophyllum stocks is necessary to sustain the industry. In this literature review, the current harvesting regime of this seaweed in Nova Scotia is summarized and assessed in relation to harvesting regimes elsewhere and to the state of the intertidal marine ecosystem.Keywords: Ascophyllum nodosum, ecological impacts, intertidal ecology, resource management, rockweed harvesting, seaweed industry