- Wildlife
- Seaweeds and grasses
- Gutweed
George Paterson
About
Gutweed is a common seaweed of rock pools, saltmarshes and seawater ditches, and is particularly abundant in brackish water. It is often seen with bubbles of air trapped inside its long fronds which have the look of intestines, hence its name. It is sometimes attached to substrate, but may become detached, forming floating, growing masses. It is a summer annual so will decay and form masses of bleached fronds towards the end of the season.
How to identify
Gutweed is a mass of bright green, inflated tubes, often with pinched-in 'waists' along its length. Fronds are typically unbranched.
Where to find it
All around our coasts.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.