Be Wild
Much of our work is dedicated to farming.
What about the seaweed that washes up onto the shore? Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is known for washing up on the shores of Long Island, creating a host of problems as it decomposes.
If you want to dig in with seaweed and have an existing group you’d like to volunteer with, we’d love to find a way to support your work - including how to help you process your seaweed into products!
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a definitive guide; always prioritize local regulations, environmental conditions, and personal safety when harvesting.
What's permitted?
A DEC state permit is not required for seaweed wild harvest, so there's no permitting needed for wild harvest of Ulva. Despite this, you will need to talk with local permitting entities to see if they have requirements related to wild harvesting. Contact us if you need help! Come back to this page as we gather more information from each town on their specific rules for this effort.
Which areas of LI would be of particular benefit to remove Ulva? Are these areas accessible to the public?
The Western Sound embayments like Little Neck Bay and Manhasset Bay typically have an overabundance of Ulva during July and August.
Stay sustainable - stay safe
As with anything in life, more is not always better. There are circumstances where it’s not advisable or safe to harvest. Any planned efforts should be carried out safely and sustainably.
By this, we mean:
Hand harvested- small scale. No equipment or machinery that could disrupt local marine life.
Only take what’s in excess and washed up on the shore. Do not remove marine habitats.
Do not harvest seaweed for food-grade purposes.
Seaweed along shorelines can produce toxic gas as it breaks down; do not harvest in a way that could cause harm to you or anyone around you.
Questions?
Photo Credit: Judy Preston/CT Sea Grant.