A Short Social History of the Seaweed Industry in the West of Ireland

Séagh Mac Siúrdáin, an independent advisor on sustainable seaweed management, introduces the term ‘seaplant’ alongside words like ‘sea spaghetti’ and ‘sea vegetable’. He explains how vital these plants are for the production of iodine, for farmland fertilisation, and as natural sources of vitamins for human consumption. Séagh discusses how Ireland’s seaweed reserves are the last natural resource still in state ownership and describes the structure of ownership currently in place on the west coast of Ireland, particularly from Donegal to Spanish Point. Harvesters in this area work the land and sea in familial units, with traditional labour organized in family terms rather than by individuals or companies.

Supported by Galway City Council: Local Community Festival Grant 2024.