Seaweed-don't miss it!

[30A Skunkape]

We went to the beach yesterday afternoon. At first we were mad because there was tons of seaweed washing up and it was a bit, um, pungent. I was surf fishing and as the stuff floated by, I noticed all sorts of critters that were hitchhiking on the sargassum. I gave up on fishing and started really looking at the little biospheres and it was amazing! Shrimp, crabs, all sorts of fish with markings similar to the weed were all over the stuff. Here is a link:http://www.imagequestmarine.com/photos/sargassum/index.htm

I urge everyone to take a look, especially if you have kids. They will be fascinated!

 

[Smiling JOe]

checking out the sargassum clumps floating in the water offers better snorkeling than the rest of the barren sandy ocean floor. Once onshore, the sargassum and June Grass provide great critter habitats and act as beach builders. Sargassum pods also make a salty salad.

 

[rapunzel]

checking out the sargassum clumps floating in the water offers better snorkeling than the rest of the barren sandy ocean floor. Once onshore, the sargassum and June Grass provide great critter habitats and act as beach builders. Sargassum pods also make a salty salad.

Ooh! Recipe, please!

 

[kathydwells]

Cool Website!!! Thanks Skunky!!!

 

[Smiling JOe]

no recipe, punzy. just pic a few of the floating pods from the sargassum and eat them while out in the water. They have a nice light salty flavor. I've heard of people picking the pods and toasting them, to make little crunchies for salad toppers and such. Don't know if you are supposed to use the green ones or the ones which have turned brown. I've been eating the green ones.

Here is another link on the wonders of Sargassum Grass. www.marlinmag.com/article.jsp?ID=17095

 

[BeachSiO2]

Unfortunately, it won't be long until the calls start coming in for the TDC to rake it up and take it off the beach.

However, this yearly influx of seaweed is very good for the beach, in addition to what Skunky was talking about. Sandy beaches are for lack of a better description, a desert wasteland, as far as organic fertilizer goes. When the seaweed washes up on the beach, it dries out rather quickly leaving that wonderful odor that everyone appreciates;-). After it dries it breaks up and is blown all around the beach and most importantly up into the dunes. This is the major non-human source of fertilizer for our dunes outside of rainwater so it is very important for the dunes and beaches.

That being said, the question often comes up, why don't you go ahead and move it to the toe of the dunes. Well, the answer is that the County can't do it as if they touch it, it has to be taken off the beach which is bad for the beach and is impractical as quickly as it washes in. This is due to state and federal permitting issues. So now you know why the County does not actively participate in seaweed removal and why it is good for the beach.

 

[Gypsea]

OK, OK, no more complaining about seaweed.

 

[beachpirate]

Oh nooo. the dreaded June grass! I leave for vacation tomm. Tell me it's not that bad.

 

[jodiFL]

I am very glad to see we are finally getting a good dose of Mother Natures own beach renourishment. And it didnt cost a dime!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Oh nooo. the dreaded June grass! I leave for vacation tomm. Tell me it's not that bad.

not here YET