# Seaweed Sorter — Pacific Northwest edition

> Identify Pacific Northwest seaweed species with illustrated, offline-accessible guides. (iPhone/iPad app by Patrick Martone.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seaweed-sorter/id1141691364 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Patrick Martone](https://appshunter.io/developer/1135261991)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $3.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 167 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-08-02
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seaweed-sorter/id1141691364/reviews.md

## What is Seaweed Sorter?

Seaweed Sorter helps users identify 130 species of macroalgae commonly found along the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, including many species that extend from Alaska down to Washington, Oregon, and northern California.

Unlike printed dichotomous keys, which use jargon and often require specialized knowledge, Seaweed Sorter uses easy-to-understand, illustrated questions that assume no prior knowledge and allows users to skip questions at any time.

Seaweed Sorter includes more than 300 photos, current and former names, taxonomic details, clear morphological and ecological descriptions, and lists of other seaweeds that “could be confused with” your specimen – all curated by Dr. Patrick Martone (Professor of Phycology, UBC). Books can be quickly out-of-date, but Seaweed Sorter content will be updated frequently with taxonomic revisions, additional photos, new species, and more. Plus, content is available anytime and doesn’t require an internet connection, making Seaweed Sorter an excellent companion on any trip to the coast.

Great for educators, students, consultants, and naturalists!

## Key features

- Identify 130 macroalgae species
- Illustrated, jargon-free questions
- Over 300 photos
- Taxonomic and ecological details
- Offline content access
- Frequent content updates

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seaweed-sorter/id1141691364/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very helpful app

*2026-01-17*

The only app I trust to sort my seaweed

### 5/5 — Seaweed Sorter

*2026-01-13*

This is a great app for anyone interested in identifying seaweeds!

### 5/5 — Thanks for the algae identification resource!

*2020-12-05*

I'm just starting out, as a researcher in algae, so I'm not familiar with the specimens, and a lot of published academic literature is lacking, as far as library resources. I'm glad to have access to an app like yours, for learning about the ocean life and organisms.

## Frequently asked questions about Seaweed Sorter

### What is the price of Seaweed Sorter?

Seaweed Sorter is a paid app, priced at $3.99. This one-time purchase grants you access to all its features and content.

### Does Seaweed Sorter have ads?

No, Seaweed Sorter does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free experience for users.

### How often is Seaweed Sorter updated?

The app's content is designed to be updated frequently, with the latest version released on 2026-01-12. Updates will include taxonomic revisions, new species, and additional photos.

### Can I use Seaweed Sorter without an internet connection?

Yes, Seaweed Sorter provides offline content access. This makes it an excellent companion for trips to the coast where internet service may be unavailable.

### What devices is Seaweed Sorter compatible with?

Seaweed Sorter is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS platforms.

### What is the age rating for Seaweed Sorter?

Seaweed Sorter has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for young children and up, with content that is generally appropriate.

### Who curated the content for Seaweed Sorter?

The content for Seaweed Sorter was curated by Dr. Patrick Martone, a Professor of Phycology at UBC. His expertise ensures the accuracy of the taxonomic and ecological descriptions.

### How does Seaweed Sorter differ from traditional printed keys?

Unlike printed dichotomous keys that use jargon, Seaweed Sorter uses easy-to-understand, illustrated questions. It assumes no prior knowledge and allows users to skip questions, making identification more accessible.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 26.01.10 — 2026-01-12

New in Version 26.01.10:
- Updated names of Nemalion elminthoides, Mariprasiola sp., and Caulacanthus okamurae
- Added Chaetomorpha aerea
- Added Mazzaella japonica
- Updated the constraints affecting species names in Sorting results list

### 24.09.01 — 2024-09-03

Just a nuts and bolts update behind the scenes.  Same great app!

### 24.05.28 — 2024-05-29

Small (but important!) update, following this week's MAJOR update:
- Updated the name of the calcified crust, Boreolithothamnion
- Added 3 additional photos of the epiphytic Ceramothamnion coulteri
- Updated the screenshots in the App Store for new users
Happy sorting, Seaweed Lovers!

### 24.05.25 — 2024-05-26

MAJOR UPDATE FOR 2024!
6 New Species: Stephanocystis geminata, Laminaria ephemera, Wildemania occidentalis, Neodilsea borealis, Devaleraea mollis, and Coilodesme californica
6 Updated Taxonomic Names: Introducing Ceramothamnion, Herpochondria, Yendoa, and Botryocladia hawkesii; farewell Ceramium, Microcladia, and Lomentaria!
3 New Questions to improve sorting: Is it wider than your hand?  Did you find it North of Vancouver Island, BC?  Did you find it in a wave-exposed location?
15 New Photos: Costaria, Erythrophyllum, Alaria, Nereocystis, Desmarestia herbacea, Dilsea, Mazzaella affinis, Mazzaella parksii, Yendoa, Herpochondria, Plocamium violaceum, and Prionitis
... plus an update to the code to make the app run more quickly!

### 23.09.05 — 2023-09-05

Major update, seaweed-lovers!
Added 5 new species: Ahnfeltia fastigiata, Fredericqia chiton, Fredericqia decewii, Gracilariopsis andersonii, Gracilaria sp.
Added 2 new questions for species found on sandy beaches or in mudflats
Updated name for Macrocystis tenuifolia (!)
Updated code to ensure questions were parsed correctly, with unhelpful questions discarded

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## More apps by Patrick Martone

- [Fish Sorter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fish-sorter/id1518308598)

All apps by Patrick Martone: https://appshunter.io/developer/1135261991

## Related topics

[seaweed sorter](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/seaweed-sorter) · [seaweed](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/seaweed) · [e-seaweed](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/e-seaweed)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*
