Gutweed

Also known as grass kelp, this is the second most important green alga in the fjord, after sea lettuce. Its fronds are in the form of hollow tubes, with only one layer of cells. It often grows in very shallow water, so it is easily accessible food for swans and ducks and their young. In windy weather large quantities of gutweed can collect in the wave wash area. Rotting washed-up algae can give off an unpleasant smell.


Gutweed is eaten by swans etc. Here, large quantities have been driven on to Elleore.