History of Dark Harbour Dulse
The history of man’s use of dulse dates back to ancient times in northern Europe, where it was used for human consumption. Dulse is only one of about seven different sea vegetables harvested today in the cold, clean waters around Grand Manan Island. It was first harvested as a commercial crop on Grand Manan when James MacDonald moved to Dark Harbour in 1875 and became involved with dulsing because fish were scarce. James and his men picked the dulse, which grows in the lower section of the inter-tidal zone, and dried it on the seawall beach rocks above the high tide mark.
The unusual taste and texture of dulse, as well as its high nutritional value, have assured a ready market which has expanded yearly since James MacDonald’s first efforts over 135 years ago. Grand Manan dulse is now considered world-class quality, and Dark Harbour dulse grows the best dulse is in world!
New York Times Article on Grand Manan Island World Famous Dulse