Resource Management

Sustainable & eco-friendly harvesting methods

How we harvest seaweed is as important to sustainability as how much seaweed we harvest. The tools and techniques our Harvesters use enable the robust regrowth of intertidal seaweed stock in only a year and limit the impact on marine plants and their related ecosystems. Plus, we coordinate with Harvesters, sharing our comprehensive knowledge of seaweed stocks in our harvesting zones to ensure that they never overharvest any site, keep our eco-footprint minimal and work safely.

Action in the field

The sickles, serrated knives, specialized cutter-rakes or mechanical equipment our Harvesters use are chosen for their ability to minimize the damage to holdfasts and the seaweed substrate. When pruning seaweed fronds, we take care to leave enough for future regrowth. For example, we train Harvesters to leave 5 cm to 20 cm of seaweed enabling the Ascophyllum nodosum to rapidly regenerate.

We record all cases of holdfast removal in Harvesters boats, at the dry dock and the production facility. We monitor the health of the resource, detect potential problems and identify if immediate changes to harvesting practices and procedures are needed. This allows us to adapt quickly to any situation and implement corrective actions to better preserve the seaweed.

Extensive reporting

Data collection is second nature to our Resource Management Team, and we use that data to monitor and maximize the sustainability of our harvest. At our landing sites, we keep detailed records of daily landings and scale harvest weights to control the harvest within specified limits – those pre-determined by our Resource Scientists.

Each year, we report to governmental partners on the successes, challenges and opportunities in the areas we harvest, ensuring that our precious marine resources remain available for generations.

Our Resource Management Team

The sustainability of our harvesting practices depends on the dedication and expertise of our Resource Management Team. Their hands-on work with our Harvesters along the shorelines and on the wharves gives us insight into the dynamic conditions of our intertidal harvesting zones. Here’s a glimpse of the people who manage this important role:

Chris Morrissey

VP – Resource Management

Joined ASL: 2016

Location: Nova Scotia

Chris is responsible for global Resource Management at Acadian Seaplants. Since he first joined our team, he has been involved in the transformation of Resource Management’s strategic approach to sustainable harvesting. With a primary emphasis on Harvester relationships, Chris’ focus has been working with the Harvesting community to improve systems and processes. Collaboration with the Resource Management Team, Harvesters, Resource Scientists and coastal communities will continue to result in better managed shorelines that protect the livelihood of Harvesters and the seaweed resource for the future.