Species profile
Oarweed
Laminaria digitata
Brown algae/kelps2.2K iNat observations
At a glance
Oarweed (Laminaria digitata) is a marine alga with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 481 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Nova Scotia, Maine, and New Hampshire the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Oarweed fronds split into finger-like blades — its species name 'digitata' is Latin for 'fingered.'
- It can grow up to 2 meters long and is harvested commercially to produce alginates used in food and cosmetics.
- Oarweed grows from the low intertidal zone down to about 20 meters depth across the North Atlantic.
- Its flexible, rubbery stipe bends in strong surge without snapping, unlike rigid terrestrial plants.
- Individual plants can live 4 to 6 years, forming dense canopies that shelter sea urchins, snails, and small fish.
Where Oarweed are seen
Background
Laminaria digitata is a large brown alga in the family Laminariaceae, also known by the common name Oarweed. It is found in the sublittoral zone of the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Oarweed article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other brown algae/kelps on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.