Laver (Porphyra spp.)

Description: Laver is also known as nori, like the seaweed frequently eaten dried or with sushi. It comes in many colors, mostly varieties of purple and green. The blades are very thin but wide and irregular in shape with ruffled edges. It often grows in groups and appears very fluffed out when in the water. Blades can reach up to 1.5 m long! It is very slippery and gelatinous when wet, which also makes it dangerous if stepped on.

Habitat: It ranges the entire west coast of North America from the Bering Sea off Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. It is found on rocks throughout the entire intertidal (high to low) and even in the upper subtidal zones. Occasionally it is also found growing on other species, as an epiphyte.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• Laver is high in vitamins A and C and is also considered quite tasty. It has been eaten for over 1,000 years!

• The laver industry is worth $1 billion annually in Japan.

Reference: The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest by J Duane Sept