More sea lettuce could go on fields – if it can be dried

MORE sea lettuce could be harvested and spread on Jersey’s fields next year if trials of a new processing technique are successful, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.

In response to a written States question from St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, Deputy Kevin Lewis said that methods for drying the weed during harvesting would be explored.

‘One area under development is a simple method to reduce the sea water content of “harvested” sea lettuce before it is transported from the beach either for spreading on agricultural land or for composting,’ he said.

‘This would reduce the bulk being transported and remove a significant amount of salt water which is a major problem and hinders any process. Work on developing a prototype machine will continue over the winter with trials hopefully being undertaken early in the 2021 season.’

He added: ‘It should be noted however that this seasonal problem will continue to exist while the Island’s water courses and water supply are at the top end of the nitrate scale that flow into a perfectly formed bay for the growth of sea lettuce.

‘In addition, the wider marine environment of the Bay of St Malo, in which Jersey is situated, has a high base level of nitrates, due in part to the French agricultural industry and, as we are in a period of climate change that sees sea temperatures likely to rise, the problem will continue for some years to come.’

The Deputy also revealed that just over £115,000 had been spent clearing sea lettuce from St Aubin’s Bay this year.

The total cost of operations comprises: £69,500 on sub-contractors/waste disposal, £20,152 on equipment/vehicles, £12,411 on maintenance and £13,060 on internal staff costs.

Last year, a total of £112,069 was spent altogether.