[1] They are commonly known as golden kelp, due to their blade colouration, distinguishing them from Laminaria hyperborea[2] This large brown alga can grow to a length of 2 m. It has large leathery blades or fronds which grow from a stipe.

[1] Despite initial belief that the species was declining, investigations in 2022 and 2023 displayed recent growth and abundance of new individuals.

[4] It is suspected, however, that due to climate change, the range of Laminaria ochroleuca will shift north.

[1] This species is found in the Northern Hemisphere, from Morocco to the south of England [7] In the UK, it was first documented in Plymouth Sound in 1946 [8] and its range expansion continues due to climate change.

Laminaria ochroleuca has been shown to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities, as well as a valuable source of nutrition.