Laminaria saccharina

Description

Laminaria saccharina is easily recognized by its undivided yellow-brown crinkle edged fronds, short stipe and its prostrate position draped across the bottom of rock pools of the mid-lower shore.

Distribution

Laminaria saccharina cluster in a rock pool at Inis Maín

Laminaria saccharina is a common kelp of the middle to lower shore. It is found from the Arctic down as far as northern Spain at depths down to 10 meters in clear waters.

Laminaria saccharina is present in significant quantities in the outer reaches of most estuaries and bays of the Irish coastline. It is found on small rocks, stones, gravel and in large pools. Sometimes it forms a brown 'carpet' at the water's edge, or is torn loose and cast up on the higher zones of the shore.

Nutritional analysis

Underwater view of Laminaria saccharina blades