Gracilaria pacifica
North Coast (Oregon Border to Point Arena)
North Central Coast (South of Point Arena to Half Moon Bay)
Central Coast (South of Half Moon Bay to Point Conception)
Santa Barbara (Point Conception to Point Dume)
South Coast (Point Dume to Mexico border)
Farmed
The Science
Taxonomic description
- Red ogo is colored pale red to pinkish. [1,2]
- Has a central axis from which up to 14 branches arise, each with 2-3 orders of branching. [2]
- Slender branches, ranging from 1-3 mm (0.04- 0.12”) diameter. [1]
- Red ogo grows to 30--70 cm (1-- 2.3 ft) tall. [2]
Distribution
- Found from Southern California to Alaska. [2]
Life history
- Like many seaweeds, it has separate, free-living sporophyte (2n) and gametophyte (1n) stages.
- Each stage looks similar, with the female gametophytes most obvious when reproductive due to dark bumpy reproductive structures (cystocarps) on branches. [2]
Habitat
- Found on soft substrates, with fine to coarse texture. [3]
- Infrequent, discontinuous distribution on coarse sand or rocks with the ability to form dense beds in some areas. [1,3]
- Mmostly found in sheltered water from subtidal to high intertidal elevations. [1,3]
- Commonly grows in association with a closely related seaweed, Gracilaria lemaneiformis. [1]
The Fishery
Seasonal availability
- Available May -- November.
- Takes a few months to create a harvestable mass. [4]
Regulatory and managing authority
- Marine aquaculture in California is overseen by a number of federal and state agencies the specifics of which depend upon the location of the facility (land, state waters, federal waters) and type(s) of species grown. These agencies include but are not limited to NOAA, for oversight in federal waters, California State Lands Commission, for oversight in coastal waters and land, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife for registration. [9]
- A State Aquaculture Coordinator provides guidance on permits, registrations, and consultations, which are required for all commercial aquaculture. [9]
- The California Department of Public Health is involved in growing, harvesting, and selling molluscan shellfish and seaweeds. [9]
- On public and private lands, aquaculture must follow regulations regarding water discharge, which involves multiple management agencies. [9]
- The Permit Guide to Aquaculture in California is available at Aquaculture Matters. [9]
Gear type
- Red ogo is grown in onshore tanks containing seawater & exposed to natural sunlight. [4]
- In Hawai’i, a related species is grown in baskets at the surface of fish ponds where it can utilize excess nutrients. [5]
Status of the fishery
- Red ogo is native to this coast and is not currently under any threat of decline.
- Abundant enough to form beds in some parts of its range, especially in response to nutrient addition.
Potential ecosystem impacts
- Aquaculture reduces the pressure on local natural populations and limits the need for imported seafood.
- No direct ecosystem effects of the gear except for the loss of upland habitat to make room for the tanks.
- Farming of this seaweed, as with most, improves water quality through the removal of nutrients.
The Seafood
Edible portions
- The whole seaweed is eaten.
Description of seaweed 
- Crispy texture with a slightly salty taste.
- When fresh, it has a bright red color, then changes to dark green once cooked. [6]
Culinary uses
- It can be stored up to three days in a refrigerator in a covered container (do not place in water).
- Dipping the seaweed into boiling water for approximately ten seconds diminishes saltiness and brightens color, but reduces crispiness. [7]
- Red ogo is great marinated, added to salads, sandwiches or pastas, or in any dish as a substitute for lettuce.
- Examples of dishes include seaweed and cucumber salad (with feta cheese and lemon) and healthy wraps with seaweed wrapped around rice, seafood or other meats.
Nutritional information
- It is considered a “superfood” because it has healthy amounts of important trace minerals, and potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and iodine. [6]
- Information on 220g of fresh ogo can be found here. [8]
Toxicity report
- There are no known contaminants.
Seasonal availability
- It is available farm fresh in San Diego May -- November.
References
[1] Abbott, I., G. Hollenberg. 1992. Marine Algae of California. Stanford University Press. 844 pp. (listed as G. verrucosa)
[2] Abbott, I.A. , J.N. Norris.1985. Taxonomy of economic seaweeds with reference to some Pacific and Caribbean species. California Sea Grant College Program. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6xm1n104
[3] Schaeffer, K., K. McGourty, and N. Cosentino-Manning (eds.) 2007. Report on the subtidal habitats and associated biological taxa in San Francisco Bay. NOAA Santa Rosa Office. https://archive.org/details/SFBayHabitatReportFinal073007/mode/2up
[4] Carlsbad Aquafarm. Prod. Brian Robles and Cindy Kendrick. Green-Scene, 2013. YouTube. Web. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzy2y5S-A_o. Accessed 9 Sept 2020.
[5] Glenn, EP, et al. 1998. A sustainable culture system for Gracilaria parvispora (Rhodophyta) using sporelings, reef growout and floating cages in Hawaii. Aquaculture 165: 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0044-8486(98)00263-4
[6] Han, Emily. "Recipe: Red Ogo Seaweed Recipes." theKitchn. Apartment Therapy, 06 Aug 2008. Web. http://www.thekitchn.com/la-farmers-market-report-seawe-58761. Accessed 13 Aug 2013.
[7] "Red Ogo Seaweed Information and Facts." Specialty Produce. Specialty Produce, 03 Sep 2011. Web. https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Red_Ogo_Seaweed_195.php. Accessed 13 Aug 2013.
[8] Seaweed-Ogo-Fresh. n.d. myfitnesspal. Web. https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/ogo-fresh-419707757. Accessed 5 August 2020.
[9] Permit Guide to Aquaculture in California. N.d. Permit Guide to Aquaculture in California. Web. https://permits.aquaculturematters.ca.gov/Permit-Guide#454735-california.... Accessed 21 August 2020.
[10] Monterey Bay Seaweeds. Ogo. Web. http://www.montereybayseaweeds.com/ogo. Accessed 21 August 2020.