SEAWEED should be left where it is and not moved by the States, according to La Societe Guernesiaise conservation officer Jamie Hooper.

The Environment Department was clearing seaweed from above the high-water mark at L’Eree on Saturday.

Environment minister Peter Sirett said it was important to keep the beaches clear for users.

But Mr Hooper said islanders needed to be more tolerant of nature.

‘It is a shame the public can’t seem to put up with this as part of the beach.

‘I live by the sea and accept the smell of seaweed as part of living here.’

He said piling the seaweed up would lead to it rotting.

‘Seaweed is a natural component of the marine environment and provides an important part of the food chain.

‘If it is piled up it will rot and it means birds cannot reach much of the seaweed.’

He was pleased the department chose to disrupt the seaweed only a few times a year on a couple of beaches, but felt it should be possible to completely avoid doing it.

Deputy Sirett said the department was aware of the careful balance that had to be maintained between the needs of wildlife and beach users.