The red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis and its use in Estonia

1. The red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis and its use in Estonia By Tiia Möller & Georg Martin

2. Furcellaria lumbricalis (Huds.) Lamour • ...one of the most known and widespread algae in the coastal waters of Estonia as well as in the whole Baltic Sea. • Furcellaria in Kassari Bay: • no rhizoids • no reproductive bodies • no radial symmetricality • lenght in average 4-4.5 cm • diameter of thallus is 0.5-0.8 mm • branching mainly irregular • color varies from greenish brown and light red to blackish red. • vegetation period – from early spring til October • the unattached furcellaria forms a distinct assemblage with the red algae Coccotylus truncatus. • genetical analysis in cooperation with Finland

3. The red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis is the only economically important algal species in the Baltic Sea being a valuable source of hydrocolloids.For commercial use the share of furcellaria should exceed 75 % of total wet weight of algae.Extensive loose lying mats of furcellaria and Coccotylus truncatus (Pallas) Wynne et Heine are found in the Kassari Bay, West Estonian Archipelago Sea (Väinameri).

4. In Kassari Bay the economical algal reserve is estimated at 5 000-30 000 tons whereas the whole biomass of loose lying algae is about 60 000-200 000 tons. The exploitation of algae in Estonia began in 1966 and estagar production in 1967.

5. Since then the algal assemblage has been monitored. Biomass, coverage and share of furcellaria within the assemblage are estimated. The catch limits were set according to the results of monitoring and since 1968 the values varied at 800-1 500 tons in wet weight. The distribution area of the community of furcellaria and Coccotylus truncatus varies between 30 and 180 km2. Mostly it is found on soft bottoms at 5-9 m in the middle part of the bay. Traditional sampling sites in Kassari Bay in 2004.

6. Initially the algae is mainly caught by trawling. Since 1976 thealgae casts on shores were collected on the coasts of Saaremaa and Muhu Islands. The storm casts was an important supplement for trawled furcellaria.

7. Coverage 2004 The proportion of furcellaria in vegetation remained mostly between 50-70% with an average at 60%. Exploitable resource was located in the northwestern, northeastern and southern part of the distribution area. The average coverage of vegetation was 77%. Coverage of 100% was estimated at half sampling sites, mostly located in the middle part of community. In potentially exploitable area the average coverage was 82% • found between 3.9-8.3 m • covered the area of 182 km2. • The potential exploitable area was 31 km2. The coverage of loose lying algal community ( %) in Kassari Bay in 2004.

8. Earlier investigations have shown that the loose lying algae relocates constantly due to currents in Kassari Bay. Thus, the distribution area is in constant change. In 2004 the community covered area of 182 km2 whereas in previous years the area was smaller at 56-154 km2. The distribution area of loose lying algal community and exploitable resource in Kassari Bay in 1980-2004.

9. The biomass of loose lying red algal community was about 258 000 tons in wet weight and furcellaria comprised about 154 000 tons. The exploitable biomass was estimated at 38 000 tons in wet weight. Biomass Total biomass of loose lying algal community (g ww/m2) in Kassari Bay in 2004. The biomass of furcellaria (g ww/m2) in loose lying algal community in Kassari Bay in 2004.

10. Thickness The average thickness of algal layer was 6.1 cm with maximum at 15 cm. The layer was generally thicker in the middle part of the assemblage with values at 6-10 cm. The thickness of algal layer (cm) in Kassari Bay in 2004.

11. The proportion of furcellaria (ww %) in loose lying algal community in Kassari Bay in 2004. In 2004 the exploitable resource was about 38 400 tons being comparable to the level of 2001-2002. The highest biomass of red algal assemblage was also estimated in 2004 at 258 300 tons in wet weight. Prior to 2004 the maximum biomass was 219 000 tons estimated in 2001. Catch area: N 58°43,0’ N 58°43,0’ N 58°40,0’ N 58°40,0’ E 22°56,5’ E 23°01,5’ E 23°01,5’ E 22°56,5’ The amount of exploitable resource in the catch area was about 5000 tons.

12. Prior to 1990s the average share of furcellaria in the assemblage was 64-88%. Following the critical decline of the resource in 1996-1997 (down to 37% ) the state of algal community has improved and stabilized to a higher level at 20-30 km2, 30-40 000 tons in wet weight. The low proportion of furcellaria was likely due to increasing proliferation of epiphytes. The biomasses of loose lying algal community, furcellaria andexploitable resource in Kassari Bay in 1980-2004.

13. furcellaran • Common names.. Agar-agar, Baltic agar, Black Carrageen, Crúba préacháin, Danish agar, Escad, Forma minor, Forma tenuoir, Furcellaran, Furgin, Leaba phortáin, Ostsee-agar (http://www.surialink.com/HANDBOOK/Genera/reds/Furcellaria/Furcellaria.htm) • At first the produce was 20 tons per year which was 100% used by sweet factory “Kalev”. In 1970s the produce increased to 110 tons per year. • Export of furcellaran grew in the middle of 1990s. • The turnover of Est-Agar Ltd is about 1 million USD, number of employees is 39. • 1 ton in wet weight = 40-50 kg of furcellaran • Per year the produce is about 100-120 tons (for Estonian market 10%). • Most of furcellaran goes to sweet factories in the Baltic States, Russia (Moscow and Petersburg) and Ukraine.

14. Thank You!