There are claims that Ireland’s seaweed is being illegally harvested from protected coastal areas.
Records obtained by The Journal Investigates show some incidents have become confrontational, with harvesting also reported in Special Areas of Conservation, including one in the North West.
Small amounts of seaweed can be harvested for personal use, gardening or home cooking without a licence, but commercial harvesting requires permission.
The Journal Investigates’ Conor O’Carroll says regulators admit it can be difficult to establish the difference:
