Unity College hosts event about rockweed removal in Maine

UNITY, Maine (AP) - A Unity College biologist is hosting an event about the effects of removing rockweed for commercial uses.

Unity assistant professor of biology Aimee Phillippi will speak about the topic on Thursday at the college’s Student Activities Center, Parsons Wing.

Rockweed is an algae that covers Maine’s shores. It grows on both sides of the North Atlantic and is rich in minerals and vitamins.

Phillippi’s work examines the impacts of rockweed removal on invertebrates that live beneath the rockweed canopy. Some environmental advocates are concerned that removing rockweed could affect ecosystems that rely on the algae.