Swimmers and kayakers on lookout for golden kelp

Lorna Siggins Citizen science pinpointed the first samples of a rare kelp in Irish waters and now NUI Galway researchers are hoping that sea swimmers, divers and kayakers may help to find more.

Citizen science pinpointed the first samples of a rare kelp in Irish waters and now NUI Galway researchers are hoping that sea swimmers, divers and kayakers may help to find more. Samples of golden kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca), normally found in France, Spain, and Britain, were identified for the first time in north Mayo.

The small population was discovered in Scots Port cove on the north west facing Belmullet coastline, and recognised by Kathryn Schoenrock of NUI Galway’s (NUIG) Ryan Institute. The dominant kelp species found in Irish waters is Cuvie (Laminaria hyperborea), and five main types of kelp provide important habitats for marine life.