Marine Foraging, In Search of Ocean Wild-fare
Marine foraging sounds just like what it it. Foraging, or searching, for wild foods that are found in marine environments. There is nothing new to marine foraging in and of itself, after all, what’s more primitive than catching a fish with a spear? Or digging for clams in the sand? There is something inherently primal about being in such close contact with ones food, of searching it out by smell or color, seeing the environment in which it lives, gathering it up and making the journey back to a fire where we transform that experience into a meal.
I remember being a very small child, maybe three or four years old, when I ate wild limpets that my father had pried off a rock. The briny taste of the salt water contrasted with the sweet and slightly chewy consistency of the peach colored meat. This was on Isola D’Elba off the eastern coast of Italy just below the South of France. I will never forget that experience of wild elation at the knowledge that I could find food attached to a forlorn rock in the middle of the sea. It was nothing short of magic. I felt as though I was truly a creature of the sea
In recent years foraging has received a lot of press. With the slow food and farm to table movement on the rise in urban areas across the counrty, interest in wild edibles and bushcraft has naturally increased. Famous chefs such as Eddy Leroux and professional forager Tama Matsuoka Wong have helped introduce foraged ingredients into American culinary circles. Though it may sound the province of Austin hipsters or weathered survivalists, foraging is actually quite simple. Not to mention, it is an activity that is equally appealing to folks of all ages. And marine foraging, being a water seeker and self proclaimed mermaid wanna be, is my personal favorite. So what will you need to get started?
WHERE: Depending on what coastline or ocean you intend to begin your marine foraging adventures on and what you will be gathering, you probably need a fishing license. These are readily available at your local outdoors supply store and sometimes even gas stations or angling outfitters will have liscences for sale. If not, check with your State Parks & Wildlife Department. They will have all the information you need to get ahold of the appropriate license for your area.
WHAT: Field Guides: You’ll also want to consider picking up a book on local edibles book either from your public library or online. I highly recommend the following books, ” The Edible Seashore” by Rick Harbo and “Pacific Seaweeds” by Louis Druehl to get started. There are also some excellent free resources online. Here are a few links.
Gear: Land based seaside foraging requires very little in terms of equipment. A good pair of non slip water shoes like Chacos come in handy. Also, you’ll want a bucket or net of some sort to carry your finds as well as a good quality pocket knife for prying mollusks off rocks or cutting edible seaweeds at their base. Gloves are handy too, though I prefer to use my bare hands. If you intend to any submerged foraging you’ll want the appropriate gear for your undertaking. For free diving, please completed a course of certification before you begin and always dive with an equally certified buddy. If you’re snorkeling and don’t plan on diving to any great depths then the usual snorkel, mask and fins is all you’ll need. Maybe a wetsuit if you’re in colder waters.
WHEN: A tide chart for your area can be found on Tides Online, a government site with regional daily tidal charts. http://tidesonline.noaa.gov/geographic.html
So, are you ready to get started marine foraging? I know I am! Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below and please share any great finds you end up eating.
Want still more?
Check out Ian Donald’s Book “Marine Foraging” for an in depth guide to free diving for food.
http://gearjunkie.com/australia-crabbing-tour