Black Seaweed Troubles in Alaska Raise Concerns for Climate Change Impact

Black Seaweed Troubles in Alaska Raise Concerns for Climate Change Impact

Black seaweed, a culturally significant delicacy in Southeast Alaska, is facing troubles that raise concerns about the impact of climate change. Traditional harvesters have noticed changes in the appearance, taste, and availability of black seaweed in recent years, leading to worries about its future.

Irene Dundas, who has been harvesting black seaweed her whole life, explained the traditional harvesting process. Dundas and her family travel by boat to large rocks located far from shore during the low tide in May, when the seaweed is the right size. This treacherous seaweed requires nutrients that can only be found in areas with lots of moving water.

Typically, Dundas harvests around 50 gallons of black seaweed to share with her family and friends. The processing involves drying the seaweed into bite-sized pieces, resulting in a crunchy texture similar to popcorn. The flavor is reminiscent of the black seaweed used in sushi, making it a delicacy.

However, in the years 2021 and 2022, Dundas noticed something was wrong. The seaweed she picked had a distinct strong smell and a light green discoloration. It also had a slightly metallic taste. Concerned about these changes, Dundas traveled for hours near the Canadian border in search of good seaweed. Her previous harvests had to be thrown away due to their poor quality.

Keolani Booth, another harvester, shared similar concerns. He collects black seaweed in the outer waters near Metlakatla and southern Prince of Wales Island. This year, he hardly had any harvest to share with community members who rely on him for seaweed. This scarcity is heartbreaking, as black seaweed holds cultural significance for many communities.

Booth sees black seaweed as a warning sign of climate change’s potential impact. He compares it to a canary in a coal mine, indicating that stronger disruptions in the ocean could follow. To address these concerns, the Metlakatla tribe received a grant to conduct research on the problem two years ago. Their ongoing research aims to find answers and possible solutions.

Jennifer Clark, a researcher from Vancouver, has worked extensively on the effects of climate change on seaweed. In her studies, she discovered that black seaweed disappeared from the intertidal shoreline in central British Columbia due to an enormous hot water mass called The Blob. This heatwave, combined with the effects of El Nino, raised seawater temperatures enough to destroy black seaweed.

Clark’s research found that black seaweed cannot survive temperatures above 64 degrees. As temperatures cooled after The Blob and El Nino events, BC’s seaweed started to recover, albeit not to its previous abundance. Although Clark is uncertain whether Alaska’s black seaweed problem is linked to The Blob, she believes that black seaweed everywhere will face challenges if climate predictions come true.

Rosita Worl, the president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute, emphasizes the critical importance of black seaweed to many communities, both in and out of Alaska. It serves as a food source, strengthens community bonds through sharing, and carries spiritual significance during ceremonies. Therefore, the institute is establishing a committee comprising harvesters and scientists to research the problem and document changes in historical practices.

The goal is to determine if there are ways to save black seaweed and find a path forward. Worl stresses the need for balanced perspectives and a thorough understanding of the issue. Black seaweed is not just a resource; it is an integral part of cultural identity and resilience. By addressing the challenges faced by black seaweed, communities hope to safeguard their traditions and preserve their connection to the ocean.

In conclusion, the troubles faced by black seaweed in Alaska highlight the potential impact of climate change on delicate marine ecosystems. The concerns of traditional harvesters, combined with scientific research, shed light on the challenges ahead. Preserving black seaweed and its cultural significance requires collaboration, research, and a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between climate change and marine life.