​No licence is required when seaweed is collected for private use. A daily limit of 100 kilograms per person for cast seaweed applies. Collection is only permitted from beaches with public access. Seaweed attached to the sea floor must not be harvested. Seaweed may not be taken in marine nature reserves.

The Japanese brown algae, Undaria (also known as wakame), is a marine pest species. Care needs to be taken to stop its spread. Keep your boat hull and equipment clean, particularly if moving from area to area. See the page on marine pest prevention.