Laclan Seaweed

Laclan seaweed refers both to a particular species of seaweed which grows in the waters near the island cluster of Lacl, and to the practice of harvesting and drying seaweed to use for fuel, which is common in that region.

The Lacl Islands

The Lacl Islands are a cluster of rocky and wind-harried islands, notorious for having little in the way of plant-life. The inhabitants are very careful of the local fauna, because of its scarcity. It is used primarily for the modest number of livestock to graze on, and to provide some medicinal and culinary herbs. As such, there is a reticence against using the local plants as firewood and seaweed has been used in its place. Laclan seaweed, which when properly dried burns slow and hot, makes for an optimal source of heating in the wintertime. This practice is supplemented by the burning of driftwood and fallen branches, but nevertheless make up the bulk of fuel used for heating.

The Harvesting and Drying Process

Harvesting and drying the seaweed is a fairly laborious process which to some degree involves most community members. It is carried out by and by throughout the warm season, primarily in summer and early fall. Though technically it can be harvested at any time of the year, it is impossible to do so without going in the water which, in winter, is dangerous enough that most would not risk it unless desperate.Harvesting is done by means of rather small sickles, which are cared for and kept in pristine condition so as to prevent, or at least delay, rusting as a result of the frequent submersion. A rusted sickle is considered the sign of a careless hand.



















After harvesting, the seaweed is spread out over the cliffs, far enough from the water to stay safe, and left until dry. Often, there is someone who is assigned to watch over the seaweed as it dries and keep away sea birds. Once dry, it is broken into pieces of a size that fits neatly in the hearths, and stored in large piles in the home or in a shed designed specifically for the purpose.