Regulators eye rockweed management plan
Marine resource regulators are drafting a set of management proposals for rockweed, a common seaweed along the Maine coast for which harvesters have quadrupled their take since 2003.
The Portland Press Herald reported the 14.6 million-pound harvest was worth nearly $20 million last year after it was processed for use in pharmaceutical products, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, fertilizers and other uses.
The sharp increase in harvesting is partly driven by new uses for rockweed. Harvesters must have a license, but there is no limit on how much may be cut, raked or otherwise removed.
The paper reported that the Department of Marine Resources will present its proposed management plan to the Legislature’s Committee on Marine Resources on Jan. 7 for consideration. That document provides recommendations for long-term management of the resource.
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