Egg wrack is one of the most common seaweeds on Ireland’s coastline. It is an olive-green seaweed which grows in dense masses on the mid-shore of rocky shores. You will notice large egg-shaped air bladders along its leathery fronds which give the seaweed its name.

Whilst egg wrack thrives on sheltered shores, it does not cope well on exposed shores with strong wave action. On sheltered shores, egg wrack creates dense masses that provide shelter and protection for small invertebrates and fish. You will most likely see the bright yellow or brown shells of flat periwinkles dotted amongst the egg wrack fronds. Small molluscs, and other invertebrates, such as these periwinkles feed on the egg wrack.

Some fronds of egg wrack may have small tufts of red hair-like algae along their fronds. This red seaweed lives on egg wrack and produces pom-pom-like structures that look similar to small flowers.