Sea lettuce, which is a type of green alga, grows along the coasts and is interesting as potential food source. A new survey shows that there are 20 different species of sea lettuce along the Swedish coast.
Newswise — The tally of green alga sea lettuce species in the Baltic Sea region and Skagerak is significantly higher than previously documented. A comprehensive examination conducted by University of Gothenburg researchers, covering 10,000 kilometers of coastline, unveiled a total of twenty distinct sea lettuce species.
Green macroalgae from the Ulva genus, commonly referred to as sea lettuce, are extensively distributed across the broader Baltic Sea region. From Atlantic waters to the Bay of Bothnia within the Baltic Sea, sea lettuce exhibits a near-ubiquitous presence. Due to their rapid growth and effortless reproduction, sea lettuce holds significant appeal for the expanding aquaculture sector. Ongoing research, both in Sweden and internationally, focuses on harnessing the potential of sea lettuce for various applications in the food industry and diverse biochemical uses.
Numerous species exist within the sea lettuce group, yet the exact quantity remained unknown until recently. Prior to this discovery, only a few species had been identified and documented.
Invasive species identified
"Our investigation focused on exploring the biological diversity of the Baltic Sea, Kattegatt, and Skagerak regions. Through extensive sampling of sea lettuce and subsequent DNA analysis, we have identified a remarkable total of 20 distinct species and subspecies," explains Sophie Steinhagen, a researcher at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory. She further notes, "Among these, three species are considered invasive, having found their way into the region through diverse means."
Additionally, the research team made noteworthy discoveries of previously undescribed species of sea lettuce in Swedish waters. These newfound species had not been scientifically documented before. Intriguingly, some of these newly identified sea lettuce species seem to be exclusive to the Baltic Sea, further emphasizing the unique ecological characteristics of this region.
The significance of this survey cannot be overstated. The expanding industry of cultivating sea lettuce as a food source highlights the urgency of understanding and preserving coastal ecosystems. The inadvertent spread of foreign species, due to unawareness, poses a potential threat. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of the species present in these regions is crucial to safeguarding valuable ecosystems. It enables informed decisions to prevent the introduction of new species that may outcompete the native ones, thereby maintaining the delicate balance of the coastal environment.
Grow the right species in the right place
Steinhagen emphasizes that the current method of species identification, primarily based on visual observation of the appearance of green algae, is inadequate for accurately assessing the distribution of different species. The study's findings reveal that the true extent of biological diversity has been underestimated due to this limitation.
The inventory conducted during the study has unveiled numerous new species, providing valuable information for the cultivation of sea lettuces in new coastal locations. This newfound knowledge becomes instrumental in ensuring that the appropriate species are cultivated in their suitable habitats. By cultivating the right species in the right places, the potential risks to biodiversity can be minimized, thereby safeguarding and preserving the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
According to Steinhagen, the newly acquired knowledge paves the way for developing methods to preserve the distinct sea lettuce species along specific coastlines. The survey findings also contribute to the formulation of regulations pertaining to invasive species. By excluding such species from aquaculture practices, sustainability can be ensured. This research thus provides a valuable framework for both conservation efforts and the sustainable management of aquaculture operations.
Facts about sea lettuce
Sea lettuce, belonging to the Ulva genus, encompasses multiple species of green algae. In Sweden, sea lettuce thrives along the West Coast, adhering to cliffs and rocks at the water's edge, extending to the Baltic Sea until the Bay of Bothnia. Sea lettuce possesses significant nutritional value, boasting notable protein content, beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fibers. Additionally, it contains valuable biochemical compounds. Ongoing research efforts, both in Sweden and internationally, aim to harness the potential of sea lettuce for various applications in the food industry and diverse biochemical uses.
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