Where's all of the Algae?

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Where’s all of the algae?

By:Elizabeth Hargis and Shannon Ashworth

Image result for algae cartoon

Cozumel was filled with a variety of marine life including several different types of algae. Did you ever look around and notice what algae you saw where? Did you only see the merman's shaving brush on deep dives? How about Saucer leaf Algae, where on earth did you see that? Maybe you were so distracted by the christmas tree worms or spotted eagle rays or even coral that you did not pay much attention to the algae. Whatever the case is we can dive right back in and recap on what we saw on our trip!

Intertidal walk The intertidal area was one filled with several different types of algae. This is neat because on the intertidal zone walk we went on was predominantly rocky. The importance of this is that this enables the growth of algae in this area. Typically when you think of areas where the ocean meets the shore you probably think of white sandy beaches… These white sandy beaches that come to mind are highly unstable and do not allow for much growth, the substrate would be continuously shifting and unstable. However, as aforementioned the rocky shores (like what we saw) are stable and allow for the algae to attach and in return grow. (Branch, 2001) On the intertidal walk it was easier to observe and identify the algae because it was prominent and we were on stable ground. When scuba diving it is sometimes more difficult to identify the algae in your surroundings because the current can often be pushing you away, as well as having other marine life that can be quite distracting (christmas tree worms). Here’s the algae that we saw:

White Scroll algae

It is not uncommon for this algae to be found attached to a hard and rocky substrate.











Saucer Leaf Alga
Image result for saucer leaf alga
Grow in shallow intertidal zones to shallow lagoons and back reef areas with moderate to strong water movement. (De Kluijver)







Oatmeal Algae
Image result for halimeda algae
This algae typically requires more nutrient-rich waters in order to flourish!










Earlier in the day we had some free time and while walking along the streets near the shopping center both me and shannon were able to see sargassum washed up upon the shore. Along with seeing sargassum near the shopping center we also saw it on our final day in cozumel when we drove across the island to go to the beach. (Photo below)


Dives
The dives were filled with potential sighting of various types of algae! Being underwater sometimes made it difficult to see or identify algae... However, here are the ones we saw while diving!

Mermans Shaving Brush
Shaving Brush Alga
Saw these quite frequently scattered upon the ocean floor. They never seemed to appear in small condensed groups… they were almost always alone.














Mermaid’s Wine Glass
The plants are attached to stones, shell fragments or bits of wood in shallow protected areas of reef. May grow solitary or in groups. (De Kluijver)








Common Caribbean Algae
Unfortunately both Shannon and I did not get to see every algae that was on the possible organisms list… However, we don’t want you guys to miss out on learning about (or refreshing you on) the common Caribbean algae that you may have or could have potentially seen!

Sea Lettuce
Often found in shallow rocky waters, such as tide pools. Although sea lettuce can be found in shallow water it is also not uncommon for them to be found at depths of 75ft. Grows in areas of low and high intertidal areas. (Sea lettuce, 1998)





Green Grape Algae








Importance of Algae!
Algae is one of the most important organisms in the survival of humans and other mammals. Algae is the greatest producer of oxygen. Without the presence of algae, obligate aerobes would not be able to survive on the earth. Algae also plays a vital role in the field of medicine. Sargassum was used very early on as treatments for goiter and other glandular troubles. Some types of algae have the ability to gently shrink upon exposure to water, it was utilized to protect open wounds and after childbirth. Agar is extracted from agarphyte algae. Agar is continually used today in hospitals and is an integral tool in medical research. Carrageenan is extracted from algae and has many culinary uses. Some of the purposes of carrageenan include prevents icing from drying out and maintains the texture of ice cream.

Works’ Cited 
Branch, G.M. “Intertidal Zone.” Intertidal Zone - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences (Second Edition), 2001 www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/intertidal-zone.
“The Most Important Organism on the Planet.” Ecology Global Network, 27 Apr. 2012, www.ecology.com/2011/09/02/the-most-important-organism-on-the-planet/. 
“Economic Importance of Algae | Botany.” Biology Discussion, 17 Oct. 2016, www.biologydiscussion.com/algae/economic-importance-of-algae-botany-2/57866. 
“Sea Lettuce.” Sea Lettuce, 1998, www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/html/gallery/plants/sea.htm.
De Kluijver, M., et al. “Interactive Guide to Caribbean Diving.” Marine Species Identification Portal : Mermaid's Wine Glass - Acetabularia Crenulata, species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&id=486.
De Kluijver, M. “Turbinweed (Turbinaria Turbinata).” Marine Species Identification Portal : Turbinweed - Turbinaria Turbinata, species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&id=503.







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