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Species
Algae
Identifying algae is not always easy! Learn more about the algae monitored by the LiMPETS program. The list below includes:
- 16 core taxa that are monitored at as many sites as possible
- 3 other taxa (denoted with *) that are monitored at only one or two sites
Go to Datasheets and Forms to find out which species are monitored at your LiMPETS site of interest.
- Dead man’s fingers – Codium fragile
- Encrusting coralline algae – Many species
- Feather boa kelp – Egregia menziesii
- Flattened rockweeds – Fucus spp./Hesperophycus californicus
- Green pin-cushion alga – Cladophora columbiana
- Iridescent algae – Mazzaella flaccida/splendens
- Lawn alga – Chondracanthus canaliculatus
- Nori – Porphyra spp.
- Scouring-pad alga – Endocladia muricata
- Sea lettuces – Ulva spp.
- Sea sacs – Halosaccion glandiforme
- Slender rockweeds – Pelvetiopsis limitata/Silvetia compressa
- Stunted turkish towel – Mastocarpus spp./Mazzaella affinis
- Surfgrasses – Phyllospadix scouleri/torreyi
- Tar spot algae – Mastocarpus spp./Ralfsia spp. and others
- Upright coralline algae – Bossiella spp./Calliarthon spp./Corallina spp.
- * Christmas card algae – Microcladia spp./Plocamium spp.
- * Frilly red algae – Cryptopleura spp.
- * Vermicelli alga – Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis
- We also monitor:
- Bare rock
- Loose sand
- Tar (petroleum)
Sea Lettuces(Ulva spp.)
- Description:
- Sea lettuces are bright green, thin, tubular to broad, and often crumpled-looking algae. They are only two cells thick and almost transparent. They attach to rocks with a small holdfast, and can easily be torn away. Sea lettuces can form large blooms when nutrient levels are high and then bleach and die. Tubular forms, Enteromorpha spp., are now included among the species of Ulva.
- Distribution:
- Worldwide; along the West Coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico.
- Habitat:
- Common in bays, lagoons, harbors, marshes, and open rocky coast; found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal.
- Diet:
- Sunlight and dissolved nutrients, which are required for photosynthesis.
- Fun Fact:
- These algae are commonly eaten; they are dried, toasted or eaten fresh in salads, soups and other dishes. Many species of Ulva are reported to be tolerant of organic and metal pollution; so if you eat these algae, make sure they are collected far from any potential sources of pollution!
- Reason for Monitoring:
- Indicates high disturbance areas. After a disturbance, they are among the first algae to grow back and populate an area, before being grazed and replaced by other algae.
- References:
- Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary
- Mondragon, J and J. Mondragon. 2003. Seaweeds of the Pacific Coast: Common Marine Algae from Alaska to Baja California. Sea Challengers, Monterey,California.