Red maerl seaweed search begins in Jersey

Islanders are asked to help map the live maerl, which is red or pink, and dead weed, which is white

People in Jersey are being asked to look for a rare type of red seaweed in the island.

Maerl is a hard and red seaweed which provides an important habitat for Jersey molluscs and crustaceans.

It is rare in the English Channel but Jersey's Marine Resources unit said there were some beds in Jersey, mainly in the east of the island.

Jersey's Marine Resources unit would like islanders to help map its locations for future management.

Greg Morel, marine and coastal officer, said: "Maerl can form extensive beds, covering several square kilometres.

"We are keen for divers and fishermen who come across it to let us know when and where they saw it.

"We would particularly like to know the proportion of live maerl, which is red or pink, and dead weed, which is white."