Ulva lactuca and Ulva californica
Illustration of Sea lettuce courtesy of the National Seaweed Hub
Farmed
Gear
Tank Culture
Location(s)
CA

Sea lettuce is a green seaweed that is commonly found in coastal intertidal zones. It is a thin, flat algae that is bright green and translucent. It attaches to rocks and other hard substrates in intertidal areas and shallow water habitats. It is enjoyed not only by humans, but also many other species including sea snails, crabs and herbivorous fish. Marine algae act as a bio-filter by absorbing excess nutrients in surrounding waters. 

Overall availability

Sea lettuce cultivation occurs year-round in California, and products are available both fresh and dried.

activity wheel for sea lettuce that depicts monthly activity levels (peak, low, closed)

 

Management

Sea lettuce is farmed in land-based tanks. Commercial seaweed aquaculture is managed by a variety of agencies such as the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Army Corps of Engineers, local, state and federal Departments of Public Health, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Learn more about sea lettuce at Sea Grant’s National Seaweed Hub website.