macroalgae
macroalgae on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 4 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on macroalgae in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around macroalgae, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Beyond corals: unveiling the ecological roles of macroalgae in the Red Sea - a review
Macroalgae, often overshadowed by coral reefs, are fundamental drivers of marine ecosystem health and productivity. This review synthesizes current understanding of these vital organisms within the Red Sea, a unique and challenging environment characterized by extreme conditions. Macroalgae contribute significantly to primary production, habitat formation, and nutrient cycling, demonstrating their critical role in biodiversity. Addressing research gaps—including long-term monitoring and physiological responses—is essential for effective ecosystem management.
Marine epiphytic diatoms: a review of environmental controls and ecosystem roles
Epiphytic diatom assemblages represent a vital, yet often overlooked, component of coastal microbenthic ecosystems. This review synthesizes current understanding of these communities, examining the ecological drivers and functional roles of diatoms colonizing marine macrophytes like seagrasses and macroalgae. Factors such as nutrient availability, hydrodynamics, and host characteristics significantly shape their distribution and structure. Notably, epiphytic diatoms function as primary producers, trophic resources, and sensitive bioindicators, reflecting environmental changes.
Wild-harvesting of the fucoid Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae) at an active oyster aquaculture site
Wild-harvesting of the fucoid *Fucus vesiculosus* presents a potentially sustainable biomass resource at active oyster aquaculture sites. Commonly colonizing intertidal zones and artificial structures like oyster farms, this species represents an unexploited opportunity. This study, conducted over a 12-month period, quantified the regrowth potential of *F. vesiculosus* following partial harvesting on an Irish oyster farm, demonstrating up to 87% regeneration. Results indicate that low-intensity harvesting could be sustainable, with estimates suggesting ~11 tonnes of biomass potentially harvestable per kilometer.
Autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar
The escalating global demand for macroalgae—driven by its potential as a sustainable food source, carbon dioxide removal tool, and resource for pharmaceuticals—necessitates efficient monitoring methods. Traditional techniques are costly and limited in scope. This research introduces an innovative approach: autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar. Our validated method estimates kelp height and standing biomass, demonstrated on a commercial installation off Santa Barbara, California.