Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

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North Sea seaweed species

Seaweed, or macroalgae, refers to several species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. At the Seaweed Research Centre we investigate seaweed physiology and ecology on four North Sea species. We study their growth, uptake of nutrients, lifecycle and their role as crop in a nursery.

Ulva lactuca

Food | Ulva lactuca also known by as sea lettuce, is an edible green alga. Figure: A. Lubsch

Saccharina latissima

Saccharina latissima

Energy | Saccharina latissima is a brown algea also known as sugar kelp. Figure: A. Lubsch

Palmaria Palmata

Palmaria Palmata

Snack | Palmaria palmata is a red alga, a well known snack food. Figure: A. Lubsch

Laminaria digitata

Laminaria digitata

Component | Laminaria digitata is a large brown alga and used in some cosmetics. Figure: A. Lubsch

Seaweed life cycle

Seaweed life cycle

Info | Interest in kelp-aquaculture is growing, but there is still a lot to learn about their life cycle.