Ologies with Alie Ward Macrophycology (SEAWEED) with Patrick Martone, Charles Yarish, Danielle McHaskell, Angela Jones, and Becky Swerida
25 snips
Jun 11, 2025 
Join seaweed enthusiasts Patrick Martone, a botany expert from UBC, and Charles Yarish, the grandfather of commercial seaweed, as they explore the captivating world of seaweed. Discover how the diverse species of seaweed contribute to ecosystems and why their evolution is vital. From the culinary delights of different algae to their role in climate change mitigation, they dive into the intersection of science and art. Personal anecdotes and cultural practices enrich the discussion, proving that seaweed is more than just beach debris—it's a vital oceanic treasure.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Patrick's Childhood Seaweed Story
- Patrick Martone grew up in Florida collecting sargassum and the creatures living in it.
- These childhood experiences inspired his lifelong fascination with seaweed as habitat and organism.
Why Kelp Prefers Cold Water
- Big seaweeds like kelp thrive in cold, nutrient-rich waters due to upwelling.
- Tropical waters are warm but low in nutrients, so seaweeds there tend to be smaller.
Seaweed's Wide Global Range
- Seaweeds grow under diverse conditions including ice-covered Arctic, moonlit depths, and warm tropical zones.
- They adapt pigment and morphology to thrive in varying light and temperature environments.
