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Seaweeds
are algae, simple organisms that have evolved to survive in the
inter-tidal zone’s harsh living conditions. They have to provide
a strong attachment and be flexible to withstand the vigours of
the waves. Dependant on level of the shoreline they colonise, they
need also to be tolerant to desiccation when uncovered by the tide.
Over
the centuries seaweed an easily collected resource, has been used
by man as food. Purple laver was used to make laver bread and
is still eaten in parts of Wales. Agar was produced from seaweed.
If not directly eaten by man, it still entered the food chain, as
it was used as animal fodder, plus it was put on the land to improve
the soil for crops. In Cornwall until quite recently it was not
uncommon to see tractor and trailers collecting seaweed from the
beach, destined for the fields.
Seaweeds
fall into one of three types, red, green and brown.
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