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Research Document 1997/31

Rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum)

By G.J. Sharpe and R.E.Semple

Abstract

Ascophyllum nodosum Le Jolis (Rockweed) has been exploited by artisan and mechanical methods for 38 years in the Maritimes. The most intensive harvests and management began in 1986. The history of harvesting and resource status characterizes six distinct areas. Newly-developed harvests of southern New Brunswick are characterized by very low exploitation rates less than 5% in contrast to exploitation rates above 20% in Lobster Bay, Nova Scotia. Yields per hectare of bed have peaked at 47.7 t in 1989 in Lobster Bay. Catch per unit effort is very dependent on experience ranging from 33.0 SD 9.0 t per week to 3.4 SD 1.9 t per week. Landings in 1997 are expected to increase both due to changing effort patterns and more intensive management).

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