Changing the World for Good Upsets Many
‘The buoys are ruining our views and the landscape’. ‘
There are loads of unsustainable lobster pots dragging on the seabed and destroying all the marine life’.
Arial view of Câr-y-Môr ocean farm
“ORANGE PLASTIC BOUYS BLOT ON LANDSCAPE!!!”
Sometimes, at Câr-Y-Môr, we receive comments similar to the above. We want you to know that we do hear you - we’re listening. Some of us also agree that the buoys have created a negative visual impact from the coast-path. Equally, some of us think that it has enhanced the view and gives us hope for the future. The point is that visual impact is entirely subjective. As they say, “one man’s blot on the landscape is another man’s hope for the wellbeing of future generations”.
However, there is some information to share with you that is evidence-based and factual. Underneath the water is an underwater garden teeming with life; an incredible landscape of biodiversity; providing habitats, breeding grounds and hiding places for countless numbers of juvenile fish, crustaceans, and plankton. Growing seaweed and shellfish together helps to remove nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon from the water. The need for a regenerative ocean farm simply comes from the levels of destruction that we humans have had on the natural world and recognising the importance of adopting new methods of food production. The UK has some of the highest biodiversity loss in the world (State of Nature 2023). The temperature of the oceans is rising (BBC), and we are seeing much higher levels of acidity. So, if we look at the whole picture (the global climate and biodiversity crisis) are the Câr-Y-Môr farms really “ruining the view”? They might be ruining the view of some human eyes looking out at the Ramsey Sound or at Porthlysgi Bay, but who decided that those views were ‘ours’ anyway? We don’t own nature and we need to think open mindedly about what’s happening to the places that we cannot see.
Underwater shot of the natural settlement of seaweed
One of our fundamental aims at Câr-Y-Môr is to improve the coastal environment of our local area. We cannot blame anyone but ourselves that we haven’t been able to get this message out effectively, and we do apologise for that. About just below the buoys is a headline, a line of rope that settles to maintain the farm’s structure. We don’t add any seaweed seed to this line, all of the seaweed growing on the headlines settles naturally, and we have found over ten different species! Just below the headline is a second rope, one that has native sugar kelp seed sewn onto it.
Lantern net
You might have heard of the term zero-input farming, which seaweed and shellfish farming is certainly an example of (it doesn’t require any fertiliser, pesticides or freshwater to grow). We use lantern nets, which vertically hang off of the seaweed lines, to grow scallops and native oysters. In addition to this, we grow mussels on long lines. The waste of one organism's feeds another. This is why we grow these species together. We will be completely honest with you, to stop the farm from floating away, we have to stabilise the lines with anchors. Under our 3ha farm in the Ramsey Sound are 6 anchors and some ground chains. We regularly monitor this infrastructure, and the results of the surveys have proven that there is no movement of the anchors or chains across the sea-bed. In fact, the permanent infrastructure on our farm has become habitat for a range of seaweeds, starfish, scallops, corals and even octopus (to name just a few).
Another of our aims is to achieve scalability in a sustainable way; a way that protects natural resources from purely profit driven exploitation. In an ideal world, we would take our farms further offshore, where the space is greater and they are out of view. We know that this is achievable. However, we need to make sure we can correctly measure and sustainably operate nearshore sites before moving offshore. Unfortunately that does take time. As the first regenerative ocean farm in Wales, we feel as though we have a responsibility to ensure that this sector is one that can make a real difference to coastal communities up and down the country. Though, for that to be achieved, it is essential that we work with the local community. We are always happy to talk people through what we are doing at Câr-Y-Môr, and encourage feedback. As we come into more favourable weather in spring next year, we will be looking to organise visits to the farm for local residents so you can truly see what is happening below the water's surface and visualise the farm first-hand. We invite you to share your thoughts, and even ideas, so we can improve this special and unique community.
When you aim to transform the world through seaweed & shellfish cultivation, you're sure to stir the waters. The mere existence of Câr-Y-Môr acknowledges that the way people have treated our ocean needs an update. Ocean use is a touchy topic that makes waves.
Our approach is to keep an open mind to these views. We want to hear your thoughts, challenges, and criticism, even if it crabs our style. Please remember we're just fun-loving fish folk too. We also love to hear positivity, enthusiasm, and praise - it really floats our boat. But we recognise we learn the most from challenges and criticism, and sometimes we'll change course because of feedback.
We have thick skin, so lay it on us! Just remember, we're all in the same boat when it comes to caring for our oceans. Let's keep the dialogue flowing smoothly as the tides.
If you want to discuss this further or have any feedback, please stop by Câr-Y-Môr or drop an email to admin@carymor.wales. Ella and Owen are happy to talk over a cup of seaweed tea.
