The language of Algae

Algae are aquatic organisms living and adapting to the different chemical and physical conditions of water bodies. There are freshwater algae and marine algae, better called seaweeds. This photographic project aims to tell the resilience of algae documenting their changing patterns of seaweeds that live along the rocky and dark shores of the island of Lanzarote. Lanzarote is a volcanic island part of the Canary Islands archipelago (Spain) that has been recognised by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve thanks to its unique ecological and urban features. 



Algae are organisms that live attached to the substrate, so, in changing conditions, they need to be able to adapt and fight, or they will dry up and eventually die.

Some species of algae living along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean are already quite flexible to changes in temperature and salinity. These species have to deal with tidal changes on a daily basis, which leave them dry for several hours by staying out of the water.

Algae need to fight daily for their home: other organisms, such as the barnacles or some herbivores, may try to eat them and conquer their ground.

In the pictures you can see different patterns of algae and other organisms living on the rocks under extreme and changing conditions.

Algae are resilient. Algae speaks a language; they are able to communicate between themselves and with the surrounding environment

A project in collaboration with Valentina Lovat, marine scientist.