Mermaid of the Pacific
February 28th, 2023
For over 25 years, Amanda Swinimer has hand harvested seaweed off the west of Vancouver Island, supplying health food stores and other discerning food buyers. She also sells her kelp to a local distillery that uses it to make their Seaside gin. Over the years Swinimer has earned the nickname “Mermaid of the Pacific” and is a speaker in schools throughout BC where she educates children about the importance of protecting the oceans. In 2021, Swinimer published The Science and Spirit of Seaweed: Discovering Food, Medicine and Purpose in the Kelp Forests of the Pacific Northwest (Harbour Publishing) for adults. She has followed with The Science and Superpowers of Seaweed: A Guide for Kids (Harbour $24.95) a colourful, activity-packed book (with recipes) that explores the science and harvesting of seaweed while sharing interesting facts about marine plants and animals. It features seaweeds from both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and showcases the vital ecosystems of the coasts. 9781990776199
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