Controversy over Algae Harvest and Habitat Conservation in the Atlantic

Back to Map Page October, 1999 Florida Coast The National Marine Fisheries Service, charged with protecting living marine resources in US waters, is resisting a proposal to protect Sargassum, a brown algae that provides critical habitat and food in offshore waters. Sargassum, for which the Sargasso Sea was named, grows in huge floating mats in the open ocean. Sargassum mats provide habitat and food for hundreds of species of fish, invertebrates, and sea birds. In addition the Sargassum beds provide critical habitat for the young of at least three species of endangered sea turtles, loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles. Sargassum is a floating brown algae that provides critical resources for fish, turtles, and other species. In October the South Atlantic Fishery Managmeent Council proposed phasing out Sargassum harvesting, which has been going on to a limited extent for cattle and hog feed. The council pointed out that harvesting Sargassum contradicted efforts to re-establish habitat and fisheries for marine species that rely on the Sargassum beds, and that use of the vegetation for lievestock feed was not good use of the resource. In response to the council's plan, the NMFS issued a directive to draft a plan for continued harvest of Sargassum. The resulting plan has not yet been released. Sargassum grows in the open ocean and along the continental shelf off the southern US and in many other parts of the Atlantic. The algae provide essential cover and nutrients, thus contributing critical resources to the ecosystem. Vegetation caught in down-welling currents also provides a key nutrition source for bottom-dwelling orgnisms. For conservation purposes, Sargassum is especially important for sheltering young turtles and fish that need places to hide from larger predators. For further information, see these related web sites: Detailed report on biological importance of Sargassum Coastal Conservation Associateion press release Brief summary of management concerns, from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Back to Map Page feedback form | permissions | international | locate your campus rep | request a review copy digital solutions | publish with us | customer service | mhhe home Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of the The McGraw-Hill Companies.