What is Bladderwrack?

Although it has a bit of an odd name and doesn't look particularly appealing, Bladderwrack is actually one of the most common types of seaweed found in the oceans. Around the British Isles, Europe, the Baltic Sea, and even the eastern coast of North America, this kelp variety has the scientific name Fucus Vesiculosus. Some of the other names of Bladderwrack include Rockweed, Red Fucus, and Black Tang, depending on where in the world you happen to be. It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency. Although it is an ugly looking 'plant' it is also one of the most healthy with a wide range of beneficial minerals in hight concentration.

This type of seaweed prefers shelters inlets without too much movement or current and is found in huge numbers in certain areas. The plant is highly identifiable by the small paired air sacs found along the midrib branches.

Here at Green Ocean Farming we are trialling the farming of Bladder wrack on floating nets for the purpose of medicinal extracts to help with the treatment of diabetes.