What is rich with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins, is used to develop everything from cosmetics to pesticides and can be found on any beach in the Pacific Northwest? The answer, many will be astonished to discover, is seaweed. An important food source in Asia for centuries, seaweed is increasingly used in the West for industrial and scientific chemicals, plant fertilizers and livestock feed supplements. Scientists are also just beginning to explore the medicinal value of seaweeds; the powerful nutrients in these amazing plants have been used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), some cancers and strokes. With line drawings and vivid colour photographs, this easy-to-use book thoroughly documents every aspect of seaweed life, from species identification and seaweed biology to the essential - and often surprising - roles seaweed plays in the marine ecosystem and our everyday lives. Clear and informative, and packed with comprehensive scientific information, interesting facts, further readings and even an assortment of tasty seaweed recipes, this unique and highly readable guidebook will appeal to marine biologists, amateur beachcombers and everyone in between.