Monitoring the deep-water seaweed harvest

New techniques were introduced to make the work easier and to increase output. But how can the kelp beds be worked while preserving the fragile balance of the ecosystems?

The large kelps are harvested according to the season with a scoubidou (Laminaria digitata) or a Norwegian comb (Laminaria hyperborea). Only harvesters holding a licence granted for boats under twelve metres, fitted with a satellite tracking system, are allowed to do so.

The granting of licences and the tonnage harvested are closely monitored by the Regional Sea Fisheries Committee of Brittany and by Ifremer.

Outside the harvesting seasons, the seaweed harvesters turn to other activities. In winter, for example, they fish for scallops in the roadstead of Brest, replacing the scoubidou with a dredge.