Preliminary Study of the Seaweed Resources of Tory Island, Co. Donegal   

Including a brief assessment of site suitability for seaweed aquaculture

Report Summary

The seaweed resources of Tory Island were briefly surveyed by a team from the Irish Seaweed Centre in late July 2003. The team also assessed the suitability of Tory for seaweed aquaculture. The findings of the seaweed survey indicate that the amount of seaweed available on Tory is moderate, restricted by the high degree of exposure of much of the island, and the sheer cliff relief of the north coast. The seaweed resource is concentrated on the low-lying south shore of Tory, and is abundant in some places, particularly in southeast Tory. Ten seaweed species of commercially interest were found in moderate quantities, suggesting that adequate resources are present to support a modest seaweed-based enterprise on the island. Possible types of seaweed enterprise are sea-vegetable production, provision of seaweed baths, and/or manufacture of body-care products. The exposed Tory coast was found to be largely unsuitable for seaweed aquaculture, however two possible trial locations were identified in the relative shelter of Greenport (Portnaglás) and East port (Portdoon) bays. Development of any seaweed-based enterprise would have an element of “suck it and see” however, in its favour the island has a strong identity which may be an advantage in marketing products of novelty value.

Conclusions 

The preliminary survey findings identify an opportunity to develop a small scale enterprise using Tory seaweed. Tory Island is unique and there is potential to use historical elements of this unique identity to market seaweed-based products, i.e. sea-vegetables, or the provision of services, i.e. seaweed baths. What is required is a group of dedicated locals who are keen on developing the project. There would be considerable logistics to overcome, including transport to mainland markets. A proper business plan and sources of start up capital need to be investigated. Seaweed aquaculture trials would be very much a case of testing the ability of structures to withstand severe weather. The location of any such trials would have to be agreed on by islanders so as not to obstruct current activities. In respect to a trial seaweed farm, a trial aquaculture licence would be required from the Dept. of Comm., Marine & Natural resources. It is worth bearing in mind that the retail price of sea-vegetables is high, at least €20,000 per dry tonne, so one would not require a huge turnover to earn some income  

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