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New Zealand has a rich and diverse macroalgal flora that has been studied since James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand in 1769. The New Zealand region ranges from cool temperate seas at southerly latitudes to subtropical waters in the north. Here we review the history of phycological research in New Zealand since 1900, and the current status of research in taxonomy, ecology, physiology and seaweed uses including aquaculture and seaweed extracts. Some 770 species of seaweed are known to New Zealand, of which 22 are alien. Few taxa have received monographic treatment and many remain to be described. Polysaccharides have been identified from over 80 New Zealand seaweeds and many of these compounds have commercial potential. In addition to urgent taxonomic work, future research should include a national program of longterm (> 5 years) monitoring of macroalgal communities, rates of growth and primary production, and the contribution of seaweed-based production to coastal food webs.

Item Type:	Substantial Review
Keywords:	seaweed diversity, ecology, chemistry, aquaculture, products
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Plant Biology
Research Field:	Phycology (incl. Marine Grasses)
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Objective Field:	Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Author:	Hurd, CL (Associate Professor Catriona Hurd)
ID Code:	93167
Year Published:	2004
Web of Science® Times Cited:	14
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2014-07-14
Last Modified:	2014-07-15
Downloads:	0