HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Seaweed and Algae

Aquatic plants are an integral part many ocean ecosystems. Algae is one of the key components of the food chain, creates habitat and protection for animals, and captures and stores carbon. There are three primary categories of algae: green algae, red algae, and brown algae. Within each of those categories are many species of kelp and seaweed. Some of those species are edible, and with a permit can be harvested in certain areas, and are even commercially grown in local seaweed farms. At Haystack, the tide pools typically look luscious and green in the spring when there is more sunlight and the water is still cool. A climate change continues to alter ocean conditions, the distribution of algae will likely change as well, and this could have a cascading impact on the rest of the ecosystem.