About the Big Seaweed Search
Spiral wrack, Fucus spiralis, is found on the upper part of the shore.
The aim of the Big Seaweed Search is to map the distribution of 12 key kinds of seaweed that can be found around the UK coast. We hope to track how these distributions are changing through time.
Monitoring change
Populations of seaweeds around Britain's shores may be changing. Climate change has an effect on water conditions and sea levels, which may affect seaweeds as well as many other organisms.
The spread of non-native species may also be having an impact on some species. For example, the invasive wireweed was first recorded in the UK in 1973 on the Isle of Wight. It is now found on shores throughout southern England and is spreading north. This survey will help detect how far it has got and whether it is competing with native species.
With your help we can track and monitor the effects of climate change and invasive species on the UK's seaweeds and the wealth of life that they support.
Get involved
Help us find out more about these wonderful organisms by taking part in the Big Seaweed Search. You don't need to be an expert - just use our downloadable guides.