Mechanised harvesting of Kelp opposed

The environmental impact of the mechanical harvesting of Kelp of Western Scotland is to be the subject of a resolution to the Celtic League AGM later this year.

Manx branch Secretary and former Environmental Officer of the League, Allen Moore, is to raise the issue at the meeting.

The mechanised harvesting proposals have already attracted opposition from local communities in Western Scotland and there is a fear that if this becomes a widespread practice it could alter the balance of the marine ecosystem of the Western coasts of these Islands.

Although seaweeds have been harvested by traditional means in Scotland, Ireland and at one time in the Isle of Man, exploitation on the scale envisaged which could see 30,000 tonnes removed in a licensing period has never occurred.

Report here from BBC Scotland:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-45496091

Image: Kelp is an important habitat for marine life.

Bernard Moffatt