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General FAQs

  • A: We are based in Pembroke, Maine - a very remote and rural coastal community! (The closest grocery store is 30 minutes away.) Because of this, our shipping rates are bound to be on the high side. We are working hard with UPS and third party providers to offer you the lowest shipping rates possible. If you are egregiously overcharged for shipping, we will gladly refund the difference in cost.

  • A: Purple Irish Sea Moss is found naturally in cold North Atlantic waters, while Golden Caribbean Sea Moss is found in warmer, tropical waters. Please refer to Gina Marie’s blog, Vegan With Curves, as she does a stellar job at explaining the differences in depth! You can also refer to our Gulf of Maine, Inc. cheat sheet here for helpful information.

  • A: Upon receiving your Purple Irish Sea Moss, it is very important to open the bag and let the product “air out.” Purple Irish Sea Moss should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Regularly (once a week or every other week) check the product to be sure it is not showing signs of mold or decay. There will always be some moisture in the seaweed as it is a fresh, minimally processed natural product directly harvested by hand from the ocean. Please read our instructions on storage here for more detailed tips and recommendations.

  • A:  All of the sea life lives in 50 °F (10 °C) salt water. Some species live submerged in water at all times, others are enjoy terrarium like features to climb out of the water onto.

  • A:  Yes, all marine life is sent with enough water for the specimen to reach it's destination alive. We include oxygen rich sea water and fresh air in the package. We also include a small amount of seaweed and substrate depending on the specimen being shipped. If your creature(s) arrives and doesn't seem to be in good shape, please contact GOM.

  • A:  GOM will send you a fresh package if the original shipment is lost in the mail, or the specimen is damaged during shipment. Please contact info@gulfofme.com if you think your specimen has been compromised. We will ask that you pay shipping for the complimentary replacement order.  Historically, these occurrences are few and far in between.

Irish Moss FAQs

  • A: We are based in Pembroke, Maine - a very remote and rural coastal community! All of our Chondrus crispus is collected here on the rocky shores of the cold atlantic ocean.

  • A: We wild harvest all our Irish Moss from multiple spots in our region, ensuring we do not over harvest. We cut the wild seaweed directly off the rocks by hand. It is then gently washed in salt water on the beach, brought to our greenhouse to dry, and then packed and shipped to our customers.

  • A: No. All of our Irish Moss is wild-harvested on the rocky coast of Maine

  • A:  Keep in a cool, dark place. Storing in an air tight container works well too.

  • A:  All of our edible, dry seaweeds ship with UPS ground. Please visit their website for the most accurate shipping times.

  • A:  We offer wholesale options for all of our edible seaweeds at quantities above 1000lbs. You will see on our web prices an automatic discount between quantities already applied. Please contact info@gulfofme.com if you would like to purchase bulk quantities of 1000lb+.

Worm Bait FAQs

  • A: Unpack the tubs immediately, remove the lids, and place them in a cooler kept at 35–40°F. Do not leave them in the shipping boxes.

  • A: Yes. Remove the seaweed/grass (save it for future packing), fill the tub with cold saltwater (40°F), and transfer the worms into your holding tray or tank—leaving the dirty water behind. This removes waste and keeps them healthy.

  • A: Keep rinsed bloodworms in shallow trays/tubs inside a cooler at 35–40°F. They do not require tank aeration.

  • A:  Sandworms do best in a large tank with icy cold seawater (35–40°F), aeration, and daily water changes.

  • A: Only for short-term storage or for prepping orders for bait shop customers. Long-term holding requires rinsing and separation.

  • A:  Worms must stay between 35–40°F at all times. Water temperatures 50°F+ will kill them.

  • A: Worms excrete waste constantly. Rinsing removes toxic buildup—seaweed alone cannot.

  • A: Divide into smaller trays/tubs of 12 dozen per container, or move them into a large holding tank.

  • A: Yes—especially for bloodworms. Freshwater or condensation can kill them. If you plan to use ice packs to keep the worms cool, make sure no condensation from the ice packs can touch the worms.

  • A: Regularly remove any dead or unhealthy worms to prevent contamination.