Chorda filum

Chorda filum
Chorda filum in Brofjorden, Sweden
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Sar
Clade: Stramenopiles
Division: Ochrophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Laminariales
Family: Chordaceae
Genus: Chorda
Species:
C. filum
Binomial name
Chorda filum
(L.) Stackhouse, 1797
Synonyms

Chorda filum, commonly known as dead man's rope or sea lace among other names, is a species of brown algae in the genus Chorda. It is widespread in the temperate waters of the northern hemisphere. The species has numerous other common names related to its physical appearance. These include mermaid's tresses, cat's gut or sea-catgut, bootlace weed, sea-twine, and mermaid's fishing line.

Cultivation

In the spring of 2025, a groundbreaking breakthrough was made in the cultivation of this type of seaweed: for the first time, it was successfully grown using spore propagation. The work, carried out by the Danish company Dansk Tang, marks a historic step forward in enabling seaweed farming in environments with lower salinity than previously thought possible.