Wild Crafted or Ocean Farmed Sea Moss: Which is Better?
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of sea moss cultivation. What’s the difference between wildcrafted sea moss and ocean-harvested sea moss? And why did we choose ocean farming over wild harvesting here at Benji’s Sea Moss?
Wild Crafted or Ocean Farmed Sea Moss: Which is Better?
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of sea moss cultivation. What’s the difference between wildcrafted sea moss and ocean-harvested sea moss? And why did we choose ocean farming over wild harvesting here at Benji’s Sea Moss?
Benji's Mission
At Benji’s Sea Moss, we’re all about providing you with a source of well-being that’s as good for the planet as it is for you. That’s why we exclusively supply open ocean-harvested sea moss, not wild-harvested. We believe in sustainable practices that preserve natural habitats. But what are the nutritional differences? Is ocean-farmed sea moss really as good as wild-harvested? Let’s clear up some of the misinformation and shed some light on sustainable sea moss cultivation.
Defining Wild-Harvested and Open Ocean-Farmed Sea Moss
Wild-Harvested Sea Moss: Wild-harvested sea moss is sea moss that grows naturally on reefs or islets. The sea moss spores latch onto these surfaces and grow until ocean currents break them off, washing them onto shorelines. It sounds idyllic, but there’s more to the story.
Open Ocean-Farmed Sea Moss: Open ocean-farmed sea moss is cultivated through mariculture, a specialized branch of aquaculture. This method involves growing sea moss in the open ocean, where it naturally thrives without the need for fertilizers or other agricultural techniques. It’s a fully natural process, allowing sea moss to grow in its optimal environment.
Why We Choose Ocean Farming
Sustainability: Ocean-farmed sea moss is the most sustainable way to harvest this incredible sea plant. In Saint Lucia, and many other Caribbean islands, coastal areas are fragile due to the climate crisis. Ocean farming is not only sustainable but also safer for farmers, who face rough Atlantic currents near islets.
Protecting Ecosystems: Before the sea moss boom, wildcrafting was the only method of harvesting. However, wild harvesting disrupts natural ecosystems. Sea plants are crucial for a healthy ocean. They provide food and habitat for marine life, absorb more CO2 than trees, and generate 50% of the oxygen we breathe. By choosing ocean farming, we protect these vital ecosystems.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Sea moss absorbs all its nutrients from the ocean. There’s a myth that wild-harvested sea moss is more nutritious because it grows on rocks. However, sea moss, whether wild or farmed, gets its nutrition from the ocean water. The key is clean water, which we ensure through sustainable practices.
The Saint Lucia Sea Moss Revolution
In the 1980s, as demand for sea moss grew, the Saint Lucian government launched a research program to develop sustainable harvesting techniques. By 1985, the first group of sea moss farmers harvested their crops. Since then, sea moss farming has become a vital part of the local economy, especially in places like Praslin Bay, where our sea moss is grown.
Which is Better for You?
So, is one type of sea moss better than the other? The short answer is no. Both wild-harvested and ocean-farmed sea moss grow in the same ocean waters and offer similar nutritional benefits. The difference lies in the sustainability of the practices. Wild harvesting depletes natural resources, while ocean farming helps conserve them.
Think About It Like This...
Wild harvesting takes from the ocean, while ocean-farmed sea moss helps conserve it. By choosing ocean-farmed sea moss from See Mōs, you’re supporting sustainable practices that protect our oceans and promote the health of our planet. So, enjoy your sea moss gel with the knowledge that you’re making a positive impact!
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and join us in supporting sustainable sea moss farming. Together, we can make a difference, one jar of sea moss gel at a time.
