Brown Algae - Phaeophyceae

Brown seaweeds often dominate the tidal zone.

Characteristics:

The brown seaweeds includes the largest and most characteristic species in the Norwegian fauna. Bladders is often used to make them afloat and enable them to rise towards the light. The order Fucales is the most prominent. The brown color results from a pigment fucoxanthin which masks the green pigments chlorophyll a and c.

People used to roam along the Norwegian seaside is probably most familiar with the brown seaweeds as they often dominate the tidal zone. Furthermore, brown seaweed is a common ingredient Asian cuisines. In Norway brown seaweeds have been harvested in significant amounts for decades, mostly for the alginate industry.