The Phycologist Number 83 Autumn 2012

The Newsletter of the British Phycological Society Editor: Dr Jan Krokowski Homepage: http://www.brphycsoc.org/ is a registered publication - ISSN 0965-5301 The Phycologist 60 6o Years of the

British Phycological Society

1 The British Phycological Society is a registered Charity no. 246707 - 2 The Phycologist no. 83 P W D D D Tel: +44(0)1355574200 [email protected] East KilbrideG745PP Peel Park, Redwood Crescent, (SEPA), Scottish EnvironmentProtectionAgency 4. DrJanKrokowski Tel: +44(0)1947605501 [email protected] UK London SW75BD Cromwell Road Department ofBotany Natural HistoryMuseum 1. DrJanePottas rofessor r r r ebmaster E L G inda ileen ill M M B M alin edlin resnan 6 ike

d (2010-2012) DG d (2010-2012) d (2010-2012) uiry d British Phycological Society Phycological British E ditor C NE43 7EH Northumberland Stocksfield 160 NewRidleyRoad Abrigado 2. DrMichelleLTobin Tel: +4490)1179287592 [email protected] BS8 1UG Bristol Woodland Road University ofBristol School ofBiologicalSciences 5. HelenRosenkranz Tel: +44(0)1661844027 [email protected] UK M P ouncil P r r r r eetings rofessor P rofessor R C M J

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of J ) 3 anuary P 4 hycology ) M P P FEPS R Tel: +35391492339 [email protected] Ireland Galway National UniversityofIreland Martin RyanInstitute 6. ProfMichaelDGuiry Tel: +44(0)1912223056 [email protected] NE30 4PZ,UK Tyne andWear North Shields Cullercoates Newcastle University Marine ScienceandTechnology Dove MarineLaboratorySchoolof 3. DrSaraMarsham rofessor rof r s M H E elen artyn lliot epresentativ R G K S osenkranz eoffrey elly hubert (2012-2014) C (2011-2013) odd 5 (2011-2012) (2010-2013) Jubilee Year of the British Phycological Society Editorial

elcome to the autumn edition of The Phycologist, continuing our celebration of 60 years of Wthe BPS. I hope you enjoy the autumnal colours. Firstly apologies and a correction. The Editorial in the spring edition incorrectly identified Mr Ha- rry Powell as the first Treasurer of the Society – he was in fact the first Secretary, as I am sure many of you would have realised.

As detailed in the previous issue, included here are the abstracts of talks and posters, and AGM minutes from our Winter meeting back in January 2012. The Jubilee celebrations continue with ar- ticles from BPS past-presidents on 60 years of the BPS and Phycology, and of course we have details of the Celebratory Jubilee Meeting which was held at the Natural History Museum, London. We also have a list of reports following awards by the BPS, and research notes by members.

Very importantly, nominations are called for a number of Officers and for Ordinary Members of Council. Please ensure you follow guidelines and provide submissions by 9th November to the BPS Secretary (please see article on page 41).

So, let’s take a deep breath, blow out those candles on the Jubilee cake, and while munching on the slice of cake and sipping tea, or something stronger, I hope you enjoy this issue.

Remember - do keep sending in your contributions. Write to us with your phycological views, news, work events, or any matter you wish to share with readers of The Phycologist. YOUR input is required; all relevant material will be considered (job adverts, science reports, book reviews, news items of topical interest, meeting announcements, research news, and suggestions for future articles are always welcome). Without YOU the newsletter would not exist As a reminder, previous issues of The Phycologist can be downloaded at http://www.brphycsoc. org/phycologist.lasso

** Next BPS Meeting is on 8th – 10th July 2013, Belfast **

CONTENTS

page Editorial 3 Accounts of 60 years of Phycology and the BPS 4 BPS Jubilee Celebrations 7 Poster and Book of abstracts - 60th Annual Winter Meeting 8 BPS 60th AGM 31 Student Bursary Award reports 34 Asterosiphon dichotomus - an new record for the British Isles 37 Hydrodictyon reticulatum - where next? 38 British Isles Freshwater Algal Flora matters 39 Announcements 41 Obituary 42 Instructions for Contributors 44

3 4 The Phycologist no. 83 tany attheUniversity ofBristol.Iwent withhimasaDe Tony tookupapostasthe HeadoftheDepartment of Bo tory (fires at sea are something to avoid if at all possible!). labora the in fire a or storm sudden a by useless rendered to studyecologyatseaand howthebestlaidplanscouldbe was it difficult very how me taught it because also and tic, rience, both becauseoftheincredible beauty ofthe Antarc satellite imagery.nonetheless, awonderful expe Itwas, difficult to locate the frontal systems without access to any more infinitely was it but project, the describe to easy gly communities on either side ofoceanic fronts. Itissurprisin tic Surveytostudynutrient limitation in thephytoplankton month cruisetotheSouthernOceanwithBritish Antarc have a NERC studentship, and the project involved a seven a ratherhands-offsupervision, buthedid approachtoPhD say “workwith”,Ishouldprobablypointoutthat Tony had Tony inmyacademic development, Tony Fogg. When I ended up staying in Bangor to work with the first important to the BPS membership list was notmoney well spent, asI it turned out that the investment necessary to gain access ciety. This Idid,andhave remainedamember ever since. me onthecondition that Ibecame a member of theSo was onlypreparedtogothroughthemembership list with bership Secretary at the time, and she,being rather canny, to see Christine Happey-Wood, whowasthe BPS Mem Society. My tutor, Tony Walsby, advisedmetoarrange brought meintocontact with theBritishPhycological tion of a quick Google search, and it was this need that tial PhD supervisorsandtheirinterests was notaques and distant times, 1976, getting information about poten prepared to takeme on asaPhDstudent. In those dark looking for someone working inthisarea who might be about phytoplanktonic organisms andthatIoughttobe to therealisation that it might befunto learn a lot more 60 yearsoftheBPS T The second Tony in my story is Tony Walsby. In 1980 Although never regretting my membership of the BPS, rine BiologyandBiochemistry inBangor, Icame owards the end of my second year studying Ma ------sure intheenvironment, because organisms needgasvesi vesicles, and hence GvpC, areunder strong selective pres weaker are the gas vesicles. The width/strength of the gas residues, andthemoreofthesethereare,wider repeated sequence elements, each of about33amino acid strength/diameter of gasvesicles: GvpC hasa number of ting structureofasecondstructural protein, GvpC,andthe that there is an interesting relationship between the repea highly conservedacrossthe Archaea andtheBacteria, and tein from which gas vesicles are assembled, GvpA, is very pro main the that were work this from come to findings free them of any contaminating water. Two of the major ter having spentaweekorsoredistilling key reagents to had tosynthesiseyourownoligonucleotides, but onlyaf no PCR,therewerekitsforanythingandyoueven cing ageneinthe1980swasnotrivialmatter–there sequen and finding now, but imagine to difficult perhaps me to the emergent discipline ofmolecular genetics. It is introduced and chemistry protein of field the into forays gas vesicles and their evolution. These studiesinvolved years getting to gripswiththestructure of cyanobacterial my move to Portsmouthin2008. Tony andIspentmany monstrator in Botanyandstayedthere for 28years,until cyanobacteria, and their roleasagentsofgeneexchange. and ongoinginterestincyanophages, thevirusesthatinfect plankton population structures, and kickstarted my current these questionsledustolook atdiatom and otherphyto of their genetic composition. Attempts to tryandanswer phytoplankton populations were similarly diverse in terms genes were moving, and we did not know whether other dularia population was rife, but we did not know howthe seemed clear that horizontal gene exchange within theNo in their populationgenetic structure. Fromourresults,it te thatbloompopulationswerenotclonal,butepidemic, the organisms into culture, and allowing us to demonstra bring to need the bypassing thereby filaments, Nodularia techniques to determine multilocus genotypes from single dard geneticmarkers. to developThis observationledus fferent pattern to thephylogenetic relationships between the di of these studies we noticed that there was noconsistent the genes responsible for theirproduction. In the course into culture and to characterise both their gas vesicles and really rather simple, i.e. to get some of these organisms Aphanizomenon in theBaltic Sea.Ourinitial aim here was an improved understanding of the blooms of Nodularia and we tookpart in anumber of projects focussed onobtaining working at sea. Together with partners from across the EU, ting onGvpCinnature ultimately resulted in areturnto and thehydrostatic pressure exerted by the water column. enough tosurviveboththeturgor pressurewithin the cell the minimum possible metabolic cost, butthat are strong cles thatareaswidepossibletoprovidebuoyancyat What I thoughtwouldbe funasanundergraduate has, Wanting to know more about the selective pressures ac Nodularia isolates revealed using avariety of stan ------Jubilee Year of the British Phycological Society

indeed, turned out to be the case. I feel blessed to have not to get too carried away with what these techniques worked with some wonderful people (too many to list) on seem to offer. All of the genome sequences, transcriptomes some fascinating projects, including some with Juliet Bro- and metabalomes that money can buy are of rather limited die on the molecular taxonomy of organisms that I find value in the absence of supporting knowledge about the very difficult to tell apart. I now know with some certainty biology and ecology of the organisms that we study. This just how ignorant we remain about the complex interplay is where organisations like the BPS have so much to offer, between microorganisms, the communities they form and acting as a vehicle to bring together individuals that share the environments in which they exist, but at least the ques- interests in all aspects of the study of algae. The Society tions that need to be answered are becoming clear. What has achieved a lot over its first 60 years, but I have a feeling we have now is a whole suite of various “omic” and asso- that the next 60 are going to be so much more exciting. ciated technologies that can help us to answer what were Paul Hayes previously intractable questions, but it remains important

Happy Anniversary BPS

My earliest recollections of seaweeds date back to immediate post-war holidays on the Kent coast, when building sandcastles and exploring rock pools were my major preoccupations. The smell of seaweed, DMS in cu- rrent scientific parlance, is evocative to this day of those early seaside excursions. A more serious introduction to algae came in school biology when we had to study the morphology and life-history of Fucus serratus. This in- volved a field course with seaweed collections at Castle Rocks in Aberystwyth. However, my first professional introduction to algae came in 1964 when I was offered a sionally scientific there was a great sense of camaraderie. PhD studentship at Birkbeck College, London under the There were the family ‘elders’, mostly formidable ladies, supervision of John Dodge. A Zeiss electron microscope many of whom had been founding members of the Society, had just been purchased and I was selected as the ‘gui- who occupied the front rows of seats throughout the mee- nea pig’ to use this instrument. The three years I spent at ting. Meetings usually ended with an exhortation to return Birkbeck were greatly rewarding. In sharp contrast to most to our laboratories and continue with our research. During PhD projects today, there was no master plan or Gantt the 1960s the majority of universities had at least one re- chart to guide me on my way. I was given complete free- sident phycologist and, of course, there were phycologists dom to study what I wished and that suited me ideally. working in marine research laboratories such as Plymouth, After Birkbeck College, I moved north to Leeds Uni- Port Erin, Millport, The Gatty and Lowestoft as well as in versity to work with Irene Manton and indirectly Mary government laboratories. Although the BPS was entitled Parke at Plymouth. Leeds Botany Department in the 1960s ‘British’, it had a strong international following. In particu- was a magnificent place to carry out research in- phyco lar, colleagues from Europe and N. America were frequent logy and electron microscopy. In addition to the home attendees at our annual meetings and many eminent names team, there was an extensive group of overseas postdocs today (and yesterday) ‘cut their teeth’ at BPS gatherings. and visitors. Many have remained lifelong friends and it I congratulate the British Phycological Society on is always a pleasure to meet them at international mee- its 60th anniversary. I have enjoyed nearly 50 years of tings. Irene Manton was a formidable but kindly men- membership during which time I have served as treasu- tor. From her, I experienced at first hand the need for rer and president. I have enormous admiration for the rigour and quality in research and publication. We wor- dedicated group of phycologists who were responsi- ked together in one context or another for the next twen- ble for founding the Society in 1952. Their vision and ty years. In 1969 I was appointed lecturer in botany at commitment created a forum for the promotion of phy- Birmingham University and there I had the opportunity, cological studies that is still flourishing today. They- re through lectures and field courses, to introduce genera- cognized the need to welcome and encourage young tions of students to marine and freshwater phycology. phycologists, which at various times included myself and The first meeting of the British Phycological Society I many other colleagues. This tradition remains stronger attended was in January 1965 at University College, Lon- than ever and will ensure that the Society has a thriving don. It reminded me of attending a family party. Everybody future for many years to come. Happy Birthday BPS! knew each other and although the meetings were profes- Barry Leadbeater 5 6 The Phycologist no. 83 century has undoubtedly changed; the average age has de 21st the in meetings BPS of demographics the rate), hip for studentstoattendmeetings (andastudentmembers dent posterprize. Together withtheprovision ofsupport best student talk, followed by the introduction of the stu couraged with theinitiation of theMantonprize for the sessions wereinstigated. Studentcontributions were en with anincrease inthenumberofcontributions, parallel cessful meetings accompanied byfoodandwine,and, sions cametoberecognised askey components of suc employed at universities across the country, posterses outside Londonforitsmeetings,supportedbymembers many of the key microscopists being active in the society. the development andexpansionof electron microscopy, histories and biochemistry, the 1970s seeing particularly aware ofthediversity of thealgae, their structure, life ge orexperience.Butthiswasinvaluable in makingone of the algae, often way beyondone’s previousknowled so onelistened totalks that ranged acrossthe entire scope tre. There werenoparallel or posterpresentations, sessions important to bewarmlydressed,eveninalecturethea was that had notbeenheated over theChristmas period, soit diately after thenewyear, usuallyinLondonuniversities senior members ofthesociety. Meetingswereheldimme more the to talk to learning gradually only meetings, first ggestion, as students we stuckverymuch together at those dinner! society the for wear evening sequinned into tions not knowthem, reinforced by someoftheir transforma peared somewhat intimidating to those of uswhodid ap they and significant, were phycology and society the was clear thattheircontributionstothedevelopment of in attheendofatalkwithquestionsandcomments.It their tweeds, twinsetsandsensible shoes, ready to launch men, who wouldsitat the front ofthe lecture theatre in are now, dominated by a contingent of formidable wo the early 1970sweremuchmoreformal events thanthey A Over thefollowingdecadesocietybegantomove su Round) (Frank supervisor’s our at joined Having 60 yrsoftheBPS British PhycologicalSociety wintermeetingsin t least in the eyes of a young PhD student, the ------filling its aims to support the study of algae. It has seen has It algae. of study the support to aims its filling summer research projects and training courses, clearly ful meetings, field mapping, algal publications, and projects floristic strategic and meetings at attendance student ted and the activities of its members. The society has suppor to beavital source ofinformation andnewsonthesociety Phycologist) The (as continues but incarnations, various and non-members alike. Similarly, the newsletter has seen quality journalthatattracts contributions frommembers an establishedinternational, professionally produced,high gical Journal” to“TheEuropeanJournalofPhycology”, British Phycological Society”, via “TheBritishPhycolo cal papers has expanded from the small “Bulletin of the rical maximum. The society’s publication of phycologi even ifmembership numbersarenowbelowtheirhisto tainly grown inmembership and scopesince the start, for Presidentialandotherinvitedlectures. exposed totopicsremotefromone’sown, exceptperhaps on thoseareasthat one already knows,rather than being far moreinformal. Butitisalsoeasiertofocusnarrowly their researchareasaremorediverse,andtheatmosphere creased, fewer members are in secure academic positions, do this,andI trustthattheywilllong continue todoso. meetings provideapretty good environment in whichto vital aspect of any successful learned society. Ithink our be shared,newideasraised andcollaborations forged isa Fostering informalconversations inwhichproblemscan also aboutsupporting its members todevelop and achieve. society is not just about the acquisition of knowledge, but logy, biochemistry and rolesinecosystems.However the organisms, their structure, life histories, genetics, physio to beawareofandseekunderstandthe diversity of these ciety retains an important role of encouraging individuals In continuing to focus onall aspects of the “algae”, the so to ensurethat we passthem on to succeeding generations. preserve someofthetraditional skills andknowledge up allsortsofexciting possibilities, but wealsoneedto gy. We have many more tools at our disposal, which open been adecline in theteaching ofwholeorganismal biolo but alongsidetheseandthe explosion of“omics” there has cal developments that allow new questions tobeexplored, years. The lasttenyearshave seenevenmoretechnologi some ofthechangesinalgalresearchoverpreceding25 reflected which reviews of collection a past”, the of “Out lebrated ourJubileeinLondonand Trevor Nortonedited world isalwaysawelcome aspect of theannual meeting. tendance and involvement of members from aroundthe is thesociety insular orinward-looking. The regular at touch. Nor despite the retention of British in the name, volved withcouncilovertheyears,hasnotlostitspersonal and resources, but, thanks to many of the individuals in (and embraced) the development of online communication What has the society achieved in 60 years? It has cer Ten yearsago,duringmyperiodasPresident, wece Eileen Cox ------Jubilee Year of the British Phycological Society

BPS Jubilee Celebrations Jane Pottas The 60th anniversary of the BPS was marked by a - stamps - depicting seaweeds collected by David Irvine and meeting held at the Natural History Museum in Lon- donated to the BPS by his family. The Seaweed Health Foun- don on Wednesday 12th September and with remarkable dation brought along materials and information about their symmetry 60 delegates arrived to celebrate the occasion. organisation which aims to promote the benefits of seaweed Paul Hayes, in his capacity as President of the Society, for human food and health. Delegates could purchase books welcomed everyone to the meeting and in his opening re- and sign up for journals at the Taylor and Francis stand. marks commented on similarities between 1952 and 2012. The afternoon session began with a thought provoking talk There were Olympic Games then and now and the Royal fa- by Professor Joanna Verran from Manchester Metropolitan mily in the news for the coronation of the Queen then and her University in which she explained how art provides an op- diamond Jubilee now. He also considered major events of the portunity for the visualisation and communication of science. time. In the world of science Alfred Hershey and Martha Cha- This was followed by a debate about whether macroalgae or se conducted a series of experiments that helped to confirm microalgae are the biofuels of the future. An initial show of that DNA was the genetic material and Alan Turing proposed hands favoured microalgae (25) to macroalgae (5) which chan- the reaction-diffusion model to explain how complex patterns ged to 25 to 15 after Professor Mike Cowling of the Crown in nature might emerge during development. I think Paul must Estates and Steve Skill from the Marine Biological Associa- have been trawling the internet for facts to dazzle us with but tion had described the case for macroalgae and microalgae the most startling one to emerge was that the founding of the respectively. It seems that this debate will continue as there BPS was not mentioned on the 1952 page on Wikipedia. A were quite a few abstentions. A break for tea provided another ripple of astonishment ran around the room, but before we opportunity for discussion and the noise level indicated that could consider this oversight further Paul spotted Linda Irvine there was plenty of talking going on. The last part of the day in the audience, one of the first members of the society. In his focused on the history of phycology. Ian Tittley gave a lively concluding remarks he referred to the remaining grand cha- and informative talk entitled “Four Centuries of Seaweed Stu- llenge for phycologists – to get to the stage where an internet dy in Kent” in which he described a number of people who search for phycology does return the question “Do you mean predate the BPS who had worked on the seaweed of Kent. He psychology?” It just goes to show what serious errors result really doesn’t look that old. Juliet Brodie introduced the final from a single letter substitution in orthography as in genetics. session by summarising the foundation of the BPS at a meeting In the early days of the Society the majority interest of in September 1951 in Bangor. Interestingly in the first unoffi- the founder members was in seaweed but today phycology cial steering committee of nine, seven were women. The first is a broad church which encompasses the study of macroal- annual meeting held in January 1952 was on Algal Taxonomy gae and microalgae, freshwater and marine algae as well as and Nomenclature, subjects which still exercise the lumpers the development and application of techniques undreamt of and splitters who today have molecular techniques in their in 1952. The daunting task of organising a meeting which tool kit, unlike their predecessors who would have to wait un- would celebrate the many and varied achievements of the past til April 1953 for the publication of the discovery of the struc- 60 years whilst at the same time looking to the challenges ture of DNA of which Crick and Watson said, with remarka- of the future was undertaken by Juliet Brodie and of course ble understatement, “This structure has novel features which she pulled it off. The programme included talks which were are of considerable biological interest.” Eileen Cox, Martin stimulating and inspiring, a debate on the contentious sub- Wilkinson and Barry Leadbeater gave personal reminiscen- ject of biofuels from algae, an exploration of the cross dis- ces of some of the leading lights of the BPS from the early ciplinary links between science and art, and a look back at days – Kathleen Drew, Margaret Martin, Betty Percival, Elsie the history of phycology and the lives of some of the peo- Burrows, Mairin de Valera, Mary Parke, Irene Manton, and ple who first ventured in to the strange world of phycology. Frank Round with personal contributions from the audience. Juliet thanked everyone who had contributed to make the Professor Paul Falkowski of Rutgers University flew in day a success. Paul rose to thank her for all her hard work in from the US to give us a whistle stop tour of the major role what was virtually a “one woman effort” and presented her of phytoplankton in changing the redox state of the planet on with a lace scarf knitted from yarn made of silk and seaweed geological time scales. Before our brains had time to cool as a small token of our thanks. down Professor John Allen from Queen Mary, University of Altogether it was a full and enjoyable day which ended London stepped up to the podium to talk about the role of with a wine reception sponsored by Taylor and Francis. An cytoplasmic inheritance in the evolution of the algae and the anniversary meeting is a time to look back to see how far the consequent changes in the composition of the atmosphere. Society has come but is also an opportunity to look forward. There was little time for questions, so animated and enthu- The BPS was founded by a group of academics with purely siastic were the first two speakers for their subjects, but con- academic purposes but outreach and education are increasin- versation buzzed over the buffet lunch as phycologists from gly on the agenda as well and there are moves afoot to reins- varied disciplines gathered round the posters, admired an tate field meetings again after a few years’ absence. What will exhibition of the Hilda Canter-Lund photographs, and pored the secretary in 2072 be recording, I wonder? over a photograph of members who attended the 25th anniver- PS: If you check the 1952 page on Wikipedia you will see that sary meeting. The NHM library mounted a display of histori- the founding of the BPS is now listed – the page having been cal books about algae and there was a display of phycological updated during the anniversary meeting! philately (try saying that after a couple of glasses of wine) 7 8 The Phycologist no. 83 Just typicalphilistines! Seasearch Dawn Watson & Seaweed East‘11 –Ontheroadinsearchof weed developed inthefuture. so far.data received might be the project how consider also Iwill of theproject,andreport onthe review progress this talk,Iwill Scotland andtheIsleofManplusexcellentverbalfeedback. In website hits, returns for at least 84sites from England, Wales, inJuly2009,therehavebeenover7000 survey waslaunched red calcified distribution ( with asouth-westerly abrown in thesurveyincluded seaweeds in someplaces. Other or disappearing reported tobedeclining that characterisetheshoresaroundBritainandwhichhave been of the state of brownseaweeds(e.g. the conspicuousfucoids) picture a up build to also but identified be could they which with ease of therelative partly because for thesurveywerechosen website. ral HistoryMuseumseaweeds selected The seaweeds ute. Participants arethenaskedto send theirresultsto the Natu shore islikeandcountingthenumberoflimpetsfoundinamin of seaweeds alongastretch of shore withrocks, noting whatthe shores. of 12differentthe presence This includesrecording kinds tor theeffectson our seaweeds and invasive ofclimatechange to undertakeaseaweedsurveyhelp moni is togetpeople (OPAL) to raise awarenessof seaweeds. The aimof the project the Open Society and the BritishPhycological Air Laboratories The Big Seaweed Search is an outreachprojectdevelopedby Natural HistoryMuseum,London Juliet Brodie The BigSeaweedSearch:firsttwoyears Chair: DrSaraMarsham and Outreach SPECIALin Education of Phycology SESSIONONE: TheRole 4th -6thJanuary2012 60th AnnualWinterMeeting,Newcastle British PhycologicalSocietyDiamondJubilee With thanksto Bifurcaria bifurcata Corallina Rob Spray species andgreen ) , an alien( Ulva Sargassum muticum species. Sincethe ), - - - how accessible seaweed but were hungry for more seaweedi hungry but were seaweed accessible how Wejust tried... wegrasped but really people weren’tseaweed Conservation Society.Conservation ment Agency,Coast, National Heritage Durham Trust andMarine ing gae celebritiesgatheredhelpfrom great andsmallalike:includ event secureweusedourglamorousteam to attract support. Al up fromtheoutset.With sign sidekick) (and to haveahero After inviting somefantastic people wewereimmenselylucky Who wouldsurveyacoastlikethis? enough nicheseventuallyyou’retalkingtothepublic. that andconnect enthusiasts. Ifyouharness but theydocollect simple ideabuta niche, withinaniche.Nichescanbedeadend project foramateurdivers;it’sSeasearch istherecording very envy? would Hopper road tripDennis East coastforaSeasearch ness. The plan? To temptsometalentedweedfolkovertothe Big SeaSurvey, NewcastleUniversity Recording Scientific and Participation Volunteer Survey: Sea Big The county league? enough to make us do it again andwhocametop of the weediest from publicity and newspapers radio interviews TV coverage, and KarmaSutrabiscuits.WasHole out inBoggle thepositive in Skegness,burn to science!Hearthetalesoftrip;despair Wegathered. were pressings new species a sponge evenfound corded andspeciesthoughtrarewerecommonover 225 in East 20 tonearly100species Invasives, unre alone. Anglia East’sboosted Seasearch The triphugely algae –from recorded Not soweedyafterall? Northumberland inspiteofweatheranddefyexhaustion! Hole, divedSeahamandsurveyed Boggle Point, Flamborough, the Blackwater,covered OrfordNess,Norfolk’s chalk,Gibraltar kept theteamenthusiastic. Wedays theirsightsandhighlights us. to whistle-stopsevencountiesin12 it wasdaunting Although Heather Sugden The Wildlife Trusts,Environ Biodiversity Partnership, Norfolk The diversity of the East coast worked for of theEastcoastworked The diversity - - - - - BPS Winter Meeting 2012

The Big Sea Survey is a volunteer led project aiming to en- Samos to carry out coastal biodiversity survey work. The immedi- gage local communities with their coastal marine environments ate educational benefits to these students (now numbering over throughout the north east of England. Volunteers are encouraged 50) has been the experience of design, implementation, analysis to take ownership of their local coastlines by recording the pres- and dissemination of a small research project. The wider outputs ence and abundance of rocky shore species. These records will have included educational packages for local schools and com- help establish a baseline of species for the region and inform the munity groups, increased awareness of the state of coastal fish- future management of this coastal area. This talk will outline the eries amongst the local fishers, media outputs including TV and structure of the project and how it works, what we have achieved radio at local and national (Greek) levels and the use of project and how we aim to progress in the future. Two case studies will data in applications for conservation designations (e.g. extension be examined to show the benefits of volunteer participation in to Natura 2000 sites, MPAs and voluntary NTZs). This presenta- scientific surveys. tion will summarise these activities, demonstrating how the coast- al survey work on macroalgae has been utilised to facilitate this work, closely integrating the research of the host, Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, with the local communities on Approaching algae from a different direction Ikaria and Samos. This work has included the use of macroalgae in environmental impact assessment (including re-growth experi- Joanna Verran, James Redfern, Dariel Burdass & Peter Gilroy ments and artificial reef work), the use of macroalgal biodiver- sity (concomitant with invertebrate biodiversity) as an indicator of School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan Univer- coastal fish habitat quality and the study of the invasiveCaulerpa sity racemosa. At Manchester Metropolitan University, algae assume a low pro- file in the undergraduate curriculum, primarily as good examples of large microorganisms in first year laboratory classes. Micro- Open learning, professional development and reflective biology research focuses on the interactions occurring between practice in applied phycology microorganisms and inert surfaces – but with dental/food/medical applications. An interest in biofilms provided some opportunity to Martyn Kelly explore the beauty of algae in this context, which fed into the development of novel cross-disciplinary activities linking micro- Bowburn Consultancy biology and art. Other cross-disciplinary learning and public en- gagement activities have been developed as a result of this initial The UK’s environmental agencies have been using diatoms for interest. freshwater monitoring since 1995. The emphasis throughout has been on embedding diatom analyses into the day-to-day activi- The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) invited MMU to ties of teams of multi-skilled biologists, rather than outsourcing to work with them to produce new practical learning resources for specialists. The organisations should, as a result, benefit from a schools. SGM identified phenomena in the school specification more holistic view of environmental problems than would be pos- that could be illustrated in the laboratory using microorganisms, sible if their staff were simply receiving distilled results with which and we worked together to identify topics for the resource. Algae they had little personal involvement. An open learning course was proved to be an excellent vehicle for many of these phenomena, devised which enabled biologists from around the country to train including identification and taxonomy, eutrophication, phototaxis, at their own pace using their local streams. The course included bioluminescence, biofuels and element recycling, and 12 months tutorial materials supplemented by permanent slides, and exer- ago a postgraduate student (James Redfern) took on the task. cises included sampling, slide preparation, analysis and interpre- The development of the resource entailed considerable research tation of material associated with real operational issues. Gradu- of the literature and of relevant expertise, development of ‘in- ates from this course are capable of routine analyses, but then fallible’ but interesting experiments, and repeated trialling and spend an initial period working under close supervision, along- evaluation of the activities via students, teachers and the general side “mentors”, after which they work independently but within a public. The resource, intended for teachers at GCSE level will be quality management program. This requires them to fulfil three launched at the Association for Schools Education (ASE) confer- criteria: ence in January 2012, and, as a bonus, a new love has been found for algae at MMU. • Exercise their skills on a regular basis (analyse at least 30 samples per year); This presentation will describe some of the novel cross-disciplin- ary teaching activities on-going at MMU, and the journey leading • Meet minimum criteria for on-going training; and, to the launch of the algal resource! • Meet minimum criteria for annual ring-test slides;

Analysts are expected to spend at least two days training each Increasing awareness with macroalgae in the Eastern Ae- year. This can include attending specialist algae and diatom con- gean ferences as well taxonomic workshops organised in-house but with input from outside experts. The ring-tests involve five slides Rupert Perkins1, Anastasia Miliou2, Chris Williamson1 & Amy per year which are analysed both by a panel of experienced ana- Trayler2 lysts as well as by all involved in routine diatom analyses (both in statutory agencies, universities and consultancies). The expert 1School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University; 2 Archi- panel’s results set a target and the standard deviation of their re- pelagos, Institute for Marine Conservation sults, in turn, provides the limits that all analysts must achieve. A report on each slide, including notes and images of the main taxa Since 2006, Leonardo Mobility Initial Vocational training funding is also prepared. Although originally conceived as an analytical has enabled annual groups of Cardiff University Marine Geogra- quality control exercise, this ring test is now an example of “reflec- phy undergraduate students to travel to the islands of Ikaria and tive practice”, with participants expected to spend time reviewing 9 10 The Phycologist no. 83 CNRS -Univ. Brest ; de Brest etIfremer Brest,DEM,Centre et deValorisationdes Algues; de Roscoff ; 1 Anne Siegel rence Meslet-Cladière Goulitquer Sophie penois Potin Philippe seaweed agronomyandbiotechnology develop to genomics algal in breakthroughs recent the on IDEALG, a long term national integrative project to direct applicationofthissciencebyindustry. industry. biofuels the in predicted are opportunities growth significant and sectors, nutraceutical sectors,andpharmaceutical personal-care industry,dollar a multi-billion markets inthefoodand withexisting cast to hit $1.6bn in2015. bioproductsarealready Algae-derived products andprocesses. is fore market alone The algaebiofuel for algae-derived market opportunities international and domestic their knowledgeandexpertisein algal research andindustrycanbuild upon standing howtheUKscience-base and chemicals. energy The in betterunder TSB isinterested biomass asasourceofrenewable of usingalgal environments the opportunities and risks to the quality of freshwater and marine of understanding science goal This networkhasthehigh-level are awareofandengagedinactivities. to ensure thewide-rangeof stakeholders relevantto the AB-SIG Energy GenerationandSupplyKTNasthenetworkprogresses KTN and Sustainability with theEnvironmental closely working industry. the KTN ishosting The Biosciences be will AB-SIG and promote appropriateresearchandsecurekey partnerships with networks, research in thisarea,build potential environmental energy biomass asasourceofrenewable of usingalgal environments and risksto opportunities the (AB-SIG) tounderstand Interest Group Special Bioenergy Technologythe Strategy Board(TSB)arejointlyfunding Algal the and (NERC) Council Research Environment The Natural tute, Oban Scottish Insti Science, ScottishMarine for Marine Association Michele Stanley SIG The AB Chair: DrJohnBothwell SPECIAL SESSIONTWO: Algal Biotechnology develop goodbiologistsratherthannarrowspecialists. we to “all-rounders” skills analytical diatom tries. Byintroducing in somerespects, at variancewithmanyotherEuropeancoun is, and is “professionalism” process in thewhole The watchword will, itself,throwupoccasional“falsenegatives”. from asmallnumberofexperts based onastandarddeviation aspect isrunwithasofttouch,bearinginmindthatanexercise control” “quality formal The deviations. any for reasons derstand their resultsagainsttheexpert’s results,inordertobetterun Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Station Biologique 3 , Mirjam Czjzek and chemicals. and and scope commercial The networkwill The networkseeksthroughits activities to facilitate the 5 , ThierryTonon 2 1 Ifremer, STH, CentredeBrest ; Rennes , Pierre Boudry 1 , MartialLaurans 1 , Myriam Valero 1 , Ludovic Delage h qaiy f rswtr n marine and freshwater of quality the 1 andtheIDEALGconsortium 2 , Catherine Boyen 4 Univ.Occidentale- deBretagne 1 , Catherine Leblanc , Catherine 1 , Sassi Jean-François 1 ,

Katia Frangoudes 5 IRISA -Symbiose, 3 Centred’Etudes 1 , Jennifer Cham to establish new capitalize 1 , Lau 3 4 ------, , published genome ofthebrownalga genome published in genomemining. unknown of therecently The expertanalysis to functionof elucidate thebiochemicalproteinsannotatedas proteins of recombinant expression egy formediumthroughput veloped intheframeofastrat the projectwillbeshown,including that Some examples ofapproacheswillbede biotechnological tition forspaceandwaterinalargerframe. the conservationandbio-safetyissuescontextofcompe of inthecontext such developments othermaritimeactivities, impacts and environmental social the economic, anticipate also integrated aquaculture and bioremediation. This large project will biodiversity andinthecontextof resources, ofalgal-associated genetic of conservation the in benefit environmental significant a biotechnology.seaweed are expectedtohave These approaches varieties andtodevelop ture methodstoselectnovelseaweed cul new to develop project IDEALGthusproposes term research inEurope. of nativeseaweeds long- integrated The Frenchlarge production for massorcontrolled methods or develop upscale to there isanurgentneed of biomassworldwide, ing demand of andmicrobialmetabolism.In seaweed a context of an increas on theexploration based technologies white for developing and associated micro-organisms)bothfor improving seaweedcrops of closely metagenomics by exploiting (including biotechnology and the domestication ofspeciesandto seaweed boost generate newtoolsandmethodsfor improving algalbioresources research to is tomakethebestofgenomicsandpost-genomic research seaweed in years five next the for challenge major One revealed a great deal both about the biology and about the evo about and thebiology both about a greatdeal revealed mass harvesting technology. bio microalgae and scalable cost low efficient, an as potential These results indicate that foam fractionationoffers considerable speciesfrom tial toharvestparticular a mixedculture. selectively lipid recovery. theoverall Further, we showthat foam fractionation hasthe poten increasing significantly of benefit additional an tors of 298 wereachievedwithin 25minutes. The surfactant had fac concentration Harvesting water drainage. column, optimizing the within times residence foam long for allowed L/h) (100 flow air slow with mg/L) (10 CTAB of levels low Combining flotation. surfactant cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as an aidto vesting Har fractionation. foam of efficacy the demonstrated has work technologies. to otherharvesting energy costscompared fractionation significantly reduces construction, maintenance and theconcentratedproductat column, discharging the top. the surface of a stream of fine air bubbles, which rise up a closed cells adsorb to solution. Microalgae cost, lowenergyharvesting industry.biomass a low to deliver has potential Foamfractionation mands andthereforelimitsfurtherexpansioninthemicroalgae relative towatervolume. This exactshighenergyandcostde due tothesmallamountofalgalbiomassproduced, challenging sectors. and bioenergyHarvestingisparticularly biotechnology overall cost of productionbiomassforthe usable microalgae can Harvesting anddewateringaccountfor up to 30% of the School ofMarineScienceand Technology, NewcastleUniversity Thea C.Coward,JonathanG.M.Lee& microalgae biomass harvesting for technology effective an fractionation: Foam this communication. in emphasized be will of phlorotannins routes forthesynthesis lutionary historyof this organism. Features suchas the metabolic Parachorella sp. was optimized with the addition of the sp. wasoptimizedwiththeaddition Ectocarpus siliculosus Gary S.Caldwell Current Foam has ------BPS Winter Meeting 2012

Microalgae for renewable energy generation

Christopher Howe Ecology of the freshwater red alga Chroothece in the highly calcareous Rio Chicamo, S-E. Spain Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Marina Aboal1 & Brian A. Whitton2 The last few years have seen a dramatic growth in interest in microalgae, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic (cyanobacteria), as 1Departamento Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Murcia; 2School possible sources for renewable energy generation. There are of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University many reasons for this interest, including the great diversity of strains to be exploited, the availability of genetic tools for some The red alga Chroothece has been reported from less than taxa, and in some cases the high yields of algal material that can twenty sites worldwide, but these include diverse habitats rang- be obtained under appropriate conditions. Much of the work on ing from springs to the surface of peat. Most records have few harnessing algae for energy generation has concentrated on us- environmental data and most refer to groups of unicells, but in Rio ing them to produce fuel molecules, such as triacylglycerides and Chicamo, Spain, it can form distinct colonies up to 2 cm across. hydrocarbons. However, it is also possible to harvest electrical The colonies often occur mixed with colonies of the cyanobac- energy directly from algal cells, using ‘biophotovoltaic’ (BPV) de- terium Rivularia. Our study set out to explain why this river fa- vices. These are similar to microbial fuel cells (MFCs), in which vours its success. The Chicamo, which is fed by groundwater, is heterotrophic organisms metabolise organic substrates provided highly calcareous and slightly saline; nutrient analyses at various to them and dispose of excess reducing power by excreting elec- times during the year show a high aqueous N:P ratio, with the trons that are harvested by an electrode. In BPVs, the hetero- phosphate almost entirely organic. Chroothece also occurs as trophs are replaced by photosynthetic micro-organisms which single cells and colonies on submerged rock and consolidated can be grown either as planktonic cultures or as biofilms. They silt, mostly in full sun, but also moderate shade. Individual cells produce electrons both in the dark (presumably by respiration can move and it seems probable that colonies originate by cell of stored metabolites) and in the light. Although the efficiency of aggregation. Macroscopically the colonies start with a blue co- BPVs is very low compared to silicon photovoltaic devices, BPVs lour, but become green and then brown-orange, the last being have possible advantages in the sustainability of the materials for due to numerous carotenoid globules surrounding the pyrenoid their production. of the chloroplast. Cells inside the colony have long stalks, many of which reach down to the region where the colony is attached; cells and stalks are embedded in mucilage and the colony has a distinct outer layer. The colonies show high surface phospha- PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS tase activity and staining of the stalks indicates that these are an important site for this. While both Chroothece and Rivularia Contributions of the University of Malaya towards the devel- are favoured in the Chicamo by their ability to use organic P, it opment of a sustainable algal industry in Malaysia still needs an explanation as why Chroothece does not entirely

outcompete Rivularia, which is a N2-fixer living in an environment Prof. Siew-Moi Phang, Overseas Vice President with relatively high combined nitrogen.

Institute of Biological Sciences and Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya Ecology of the red alga Chroothece on a wet cliff in upper Phycological Research in Malaysia started in the 1900s with the Swaledale, West Yorkshire documentation of both freshwater and marine microalgae and seaweeds, especially those with economic importance. Phyco- Allan Pentecost1 & Brian A. Whitton2 logical research grew from diversity and ecological studies to DNA-based research which allowed us to venture into the world 1Freshwater Biological Association; 2School of Biological and Bio- of phylogenetics, genomics and strain improvement. After more medical Sciences, Durham University than 70 years, phycology in the form of algae biotechnology, has become of great relevance in today’s world of energy and food A small form of Chroothece richteriana was reported by G.S. crises amidst a changing climate. This is especially relevant to West and F.E. Fritsch in A Treatise on the British Freshwater Al- the development of our seaweed industry and the opportunities gae (1927) on wet limestone rocks in W. Yorks, but without de- for establishment of an algal biofuel industry in Malaysia. Sea- tails of the exact location. Apart from a record in Port Erin, there weed farming is one of three priority development areas for the have been no subsequent records for the British Isles, in spite agriculture sector in Malaysia. Microalgae are now seen as po- of many detailed surveys of calcareous streams and rocks, until tential sources of biofuel with great interest in the application of its recent discovery in Boggle Hole Gorge on Whitsundale Beck, local macroalgal strains for biodiesel production. This presen- W. Yorks. Here it occurs on the wet travertine-covered face of tation shall take us through a brief historical account of phycol- the cliff bordering one side of the stream. Much of the surface is ogy in Malaysia, to be followed by the contributions of the Algae wetted by constant drips from the soil under clumps of moorland Research Group, University of Malaya, to the development of a vegetation projecting beyond the upper edge of the cliff. Environ- sustainable algal industry. Our research is supported by two very mental features and the floristic composition of the phototroph important collections: (i) the University of Malaya Algae Culture communities were studied on three dates during autumn 2011. Collection (UMMAC) which contains about 150 isolates of micro- Features of the drip water include high conductivity and the fact algae; (ii) the University of Malaya Seaweeds and Seagrasses that the phosphate is mostly organic. Chroothece is widespread Herbarium; which houses more than 10,000 specimens. on the cliff and, although it never formed distinct colonies, it was the dominant in several regions with orange-brown soft gelati- SESSION A: Ecology and distribution of rhodophyta nous mats. The reasons for the success of the alga at this site are discussed and a brief comparison made with its occurrence Chair: Dr Gordon Beakes in Rio Chicamo, Spain.

11 12 The Phycologist no. 83 only, and sphaericum in the lower intertidalzone.By contrast, the recently described on epiphytic found it iscommonly and tributed M. alternans by threespecies: represented the Along coasts, thegenus Atlantic European Ghent University Naturelle,France National d’Histoire 1 ck. Viviana Peña coast of Occurrence Fritsch toMetagenomics’ –inthepondsofKew. project – ‘From perhaps evenembarkonabroaderphycological and phenology, little a study species, described first the of ties Batrachospermum at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, not far from the typelocalityof inthegroupsI strong endemism fancied.Nowlivingandworking is afascinatingplacetostudyalgae,withplentydiscoverand for thisgenus. origin a Gondwanic and postulated lation, Australia similar toeachotherthantheyaretheNewSouthWales popu found the Tasmanianto bemore populations andNewZealand west Tasmania. A MorganViscolleague (OhioUniversity)andI lived last – as well as the northern tip of New Zealandandsouth- letic The intriguing genus it named richs SkujainUppsalashortlybeforehedied.For this reason I years before it was flooded in 1969, and sent to the brilliant Hein few a Pedder Lake Peter of by edge collected the first from Tyler taxa was to walk.Oneofthenew place as aspectacular well as rich inspecies area –itisparticularly foraging Phycological Foard. Helen The south-westcornerof Tasmaniais myfavourite demic speciesof from thesetwocountriesrose7to34,mostofthemen species known 1980 and2010thenumberoffreshwaterredalgal cations onEarth;manyin Australia, andNewZealand.Between lusive freshwaterredalga.Itlo grows insomeofmostbeautiful Batrachospermum Royal BotanicGardensKew Timothy J.Entwisle New (and Zealand), 1980-2010 Australia in Algae Red Freshwater for Foraging tacles were observed: i) presence of peripheral raised rimand ofperipheral tacles wereobserved: i)presence concep were found,andtwotypesof multiporate conceptacles) productive structures (uniporatesexualand multiporateasexual with re Specimens mid-littoral. and sciaphilous intertidal lower are commonlyfoundepilithic onstablerockysubstrateinthe rence of large encrustingspecimens of (Basque Country to North Portugal), we have detected the occur in the corallines non-geniculate tidal Peninsula Atlantic Iberian region andMorocco.Inourrecent surveysofintertidalandsub Sicily). The latter species is also knownfrom the Macaronesian assemblages togetherwith ligenous coral Mediterranean from cited frequently is however, species, been reportedfromsouthern Atlantic France(Biarritz). The latter BIOCOST Research Group,daCoruña; Universidade 3 &L.LeGall Batrachospermum B. diatyches M. alternans was recordedasmaërlfromasingleGalicianlocality . The typeofthegenus, 1, 2 , I. Bárbara 2 Mesophyllum

, I have the opportunity to tie down the identi to tiedown the opportunity , Ihave Batrachospermum is anattractive, addictive andsometimesal

Psilosiphon , the twice unfortunate batrachospermum. unfortunate , thetwice (type locality: Tanger,only has Morocco) , occurs justsouthofSydney-whereI 1 , R. Barreiro M. lichenoides, sphaericum p aog h Alni Iberian Atlantic the along sp. , embedded withinaparaphy M.lichenoides, ; 3 M. expansum Phycology researchgroup, described bymyself and Mesophyllum 1 , C. Pardo. Corallina Mesophyllum 1 (type locality: , O. De Cler is widely dis is widely . Specimens 2 Muséum species and M. is ------species intheOSPAR maritimeareausingDNA barcodes BOLD project “MAERL”: Assessing biodiversity of these key for providingsamples. Santolaria and Alberto Díaz Pilar and collaboration, fieldwork for cursos Humanos, 2008-2011). ( nisterio deEducación (10MMA103003PR). 0949 CGL2 (CTM2010-18787), eInnovación terio deCiencia in the Lithophyllum Peninsula Atlantic Iberian 2011-2012AwardScheme-Project Society (SmallGrant support: BritishPhycological Financial Atlantic counterparts. sum material of observations. Inaddition,Mediterranean morphological the support to obtained (COI-5Pwere sequences) of identification the for feature diagnostic as themain which isregarded conceptacles with aparticular attentionto the anatomy of multiporate asexual of thecollectedsamples, examination carried outamorphological correspond to in ourcollections. Basedonthesefeatures,materialcould common most the was type latter The roof. convex to flattened and rim peripheral of absence ii) and roof, concave to flattened need tobeupdated. OTUs. may Our results suggestthatcurrentprotection legislation new ones of and to relationships thedetected infer phylogenetic be devotedto assign specimens to existing namesorpropose as thelimitofdistributionfor severalOTUs. Future efforts will appears Peninsula) (northwest Iberian Galicia while Madeira) Islands and (Canary regions with neighbouring similarities shows of the OSPARin thesouthernboundary area(IberianPeninsula) perspective, speciescomposition areas. Fromabiogeographic whereas othersoccurredinsmall cies displayawidedistribution occur the reflect rence of13OTU´s in European Atlantic waters.Somemaërlspe far so obtained Results Systems). Data Life Of “MAERL” (Barcode BOLD project to theon-going uploaded cality (RadedeBrest). Barcodes formaërltaxa(asOTUs) were of and specimens combination, (Ría deVigo) usedby the to propose (1970) Adey &McKibbin from the neotype locality (Falmouth) and from the Galician site also comprisedtheneotypeof bed. in eachmaërl found and morphologies shapes various They the included used inouranalyses Specimens were investigated. (Madeira regions adjacent and Islands) Canary and Archipelago OSPARarea from beds maërl of Samples sequences). (COI-5P study aimstoassessmaërlspeciesdiversityusingDNA barcodes phenotypic plasticity.ing speciesarepronetohigh The present tomical studies needed for accurate identification, as maërl-form sufferstudies generally previous ana fromthelackofthorough as themainmaërl-formingalgae. literature Yet, manyofthese cited inthe ment withthefactthatthesetwospeciesarewidely nion corallioide species. However, only tion. IntheEuropean Atlantic, maërlbedsareformedbyvarious distribu Maërl bedsarerelevantcoastalhabitatswithworldwide Group, NationalUniversityofIrelandGalway Naturelle,France d’Histoire National 1 Bárbara Viviana Peña BIOCOST Research Group,daCoruña; Universidade and 5/BOS (partiallyfoundedby 1 & R.Barreiro M. alternans 1, 2 M. alternans s are listedinthe EC Habitats Directive,inagree , C.Pardo �������������������������������������� VPMi by Spain´s support acknowledges 1 was also studied for comparison with their was alsostudiedforcomparison Programa Nacional de Movilidad de Re de Movilidad Programa Nacional Phymatolithon calcareum Phymatolithon Mesophyllum 1 , J. Hernández-Kantún and We sincerelythank Antonio Secilla M. expansum L. corallioides P. calcareum FEDER) Assessment of the genus ; 3 Irish Seaweed Research Irish Seaweed species. Molecular data species. Molecular and XuntadeGalicia (BM), specimens ,

), Spain’s Minis from thetypelo respectively. We and 3 , L. Le Gall Lithotham M. expan 2 Muséum 009- 2 , I. ------BPS Winter Meeting 2012

Financial support: Spain’s Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for recreation and water supply for drinking and spray irrigation. (CTM2010-18787) and Xunta de Galicia (10MMA103003PR). Using a dataset from over 1500 European lakes, we highlight CP acknowledges support by Xunta de Galicia (Axudas de apoio the use of quantile regression modelling for understanding the á etapa predoutoral do Plan I2C). VP acknowledges support by maximum potential capacity of cyanobacteria in relation to phos- Spain´s Ministerio de Educación (Programa Nacional de Movili- phorus and the use of a range of quantile responses, alongside dad de Recursos Humanos, 2008-2011). World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds for recreational wa- ters, for setting robust phosphorus targets for lake management in relation to water use. The analysis shows that cyanobacteria exhibit a non-linear response to phosphorus with the sharpest SESSION B: Algal impact on environment and human health increase in cyanobacterial abundance occurring in the TP range from about 20 µg L-1 up to about 100 µg L-1. The likelihood of Chair: Dr Eileen Cox exceeding the WHO ‘low health alert’ threshold increases from about 5% exceedance at 16 µg L-1 to 40% exceedance at 54 µg MIDTAL: Microarrays for Toxic Algae, close to a final report L-1. About 50% of lakes remain below the WHO low threshold, irrespective of increasing TP concentrations, highlighting the im- Linda K. Medlin1, Jixin Chen1, Lucia Barra2, Johannes Hagström3, portance of other limiting factors affecting cyanobacteria popula- Francisco Rodríguez4, Laura Escalera4, Lourdes Velo-Suárez4, tions, such as high flushing rates. Our results can be used to set Gary McCoy5, Simon Dittami6, Joe Taylor7, Katrina Campbell8, nutrient targets to sustain recreational services and provide dif- Yolanda Pazos9 & Lucie Maranda10 ferent levels of precaution that can be chosen dependent on the importance of recreation at the site. 1Marine Biological Association of the UK; 2Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Plankton, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn; 3Lin- naeus University, Marine Ecology Department; 4Instituto Español de Oceanografía. Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo; 5Martin Ryan Magnetic Particle Induction and its Importance in Biofilm Re- Institute, National University of Ireland; 6University of Oslo, De- search partment of Biology; 7School of Life Sciences, University of West- minster; 8Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use, Queens University Amy Anderson, Bryan Spears & David Paterson of Belfast; 9 Instituto Tecnoloxico Para O Control Domedio Ma- rino De Galicia; 10 University of Rhode Island, Graduate School The Technopole Centre, Edinburgh Technopole of Oceanography In recent years awareness of antibiotics as common contami- Microalgae in marine and brackish waters of Europe regularly nants of aquatic systems has increased significantly. They report- cause harmful effects, considered from the human perspective, edly occur in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent and in that they cause economic damage to fisheries and tourism. surface waters at concentrations ranging from ng l-1 to several µg Cyanobacteria cause similar problems in freshwaters. These l-1. Antibiotics released into aquatic environments are a concern episodes encompass a broad range of phenomena collectively for several reasons, including their potential to negatively impact referred to as «harmful algal blooms» (HABs). For adequate important ecosystem services regulated by microorganisms. One management of these phenomena, monitoring of microalgae is such ecosystem service which may be adversely affected is bio- required. However, effective monitoring is time consuming be- stabilisation whereby, microbial consortia living in biofilms at the cause morphology as determined by light microscopy may be in- sediment surface mediate the response of the sediment to erosive sufficient to give definitive species and toxin attribution. In the EU forces. Understanding the biostabilisation capacity of biofilms and FP7 project MIDTAL (microarrays for the detection of toxic algae) its impairment by pollutants is important for successful sediment we achieved rapid species identification using rRNA genes as the management in waterways and coastal zones. We will present target. These regions can be targeted for probe design to recog- the findings of an investigation into the biostabilisation potential nize species or even strains. We also included antibody reactions of natural biofilms when exposed to environmentally relevant con- to specific toxins produced by these microalgae because even centrations of antibiotics. Over the course of the experiment the when cell numbers are low, toxins can be present and can ac- MagPI System was used to measure the adhesive capacity of the cumulate in the shellfish. Microarrays are the state of the art tech- substratum, a proxy for sediment stability. The MagPI System is a nology in molecular biology for the processing of bulk samples for relatively new device developed to evaluate biofilm formation and detection of target RNA/DNA sequence. After 36 months we have state of development. The results of this experiment successfully completed RNA-cell number–signal intensity calibration curves demonstrate its ability to determine subtle changes in surface ad- for 18 HAB species, and the analysis of monthly field samples hesion as a result of biofilm formation. This presentation will also from five locations from year one, and are partway through the encompass a brief review of previous investigations in which the analysis of year two samples. Results from all partners will be MagPI System has been used and detail other potential uses for presented. this device.

Cyanobacteria responses to phosphorus: identifying risks Large-Scale Cultivation of Spirulina in Saudi Arabia to recreational use Ali A. Al-Homaidan Laurence Carvalho & Claire McDonald Department of Botany and Microbiology, King Saud University CEH Edinburgh The unique chemical composition of Spirulina makes it a good A safe, clean water supply is critical for sustaining many important food supplement in human and animal nutrition. A strain of Spi- ecosystem services provided by freshwaters. The development of rulina platensis (Nordstedt) geitler (UTEX No. LB 2340) was ac- cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and reservoirs has a major impact quired from the University of Texas at Austin, U.S.A. and it was on the provision of these services, particularly limiting their use adapted to grow under the harsh environment which prevails 13 14 The Phycologist no. 83 gene expression analysis revealed up-regulated and down-regu and up-regulated revealed analysis expression gene conditionsin and environmental a24-hourperiod.Differential nutritional forms undercontrolled and unicellular tween colonial Desmodesmus Natural HistoryMuseum,London Scott Lawton,PaulHayes& and elucidatingtheoriginofmulticellularity Desmodesmus tion of for thecultiva agreatpotential The resultsofthisworkshowed within the recommended rangeestablishedbymajorproducers. were they and powder dry final the in measured were Zn and Pb The concentrationsoftheheavymetals As, Cd,Cu,Fe,Hg,Mn, of average 62.10%. was an powder fine the in content acid amino 65.25%. The with 70% to 52 from ranged product final the in from 10.5to12.2g(dryweight)/m the biomass during productionperiodswasvery high andranged = 20:20:20), NaHCO3 andmicronutrients. The average yieldof fertilizer (N:P:K with acommercialcompound ter wasenriched wa ponds. Softenedground raceway and openedrectangular in thecentralregionofSaudi Arabia. It was grownincovered evolutionary pressures, such as the ones imposed by ahost- imposed such astheones pressures, evolutionary strong reflecting feature unusual an selection, positive to subject Moreover,residues are aminoacid solvent-exposed hypervariable mechanism. shuffling exon dynamic and controlled, original, ly high a by specificities ligand-binding new evolve apparently that pathogen receptors (LRR-ROCO and NB-ARC-TPRproteins) candidate of families two identified we genome, the from absent are genes resistance of plant Whilst homologues genes. defence alga of thebrown defence, weminedthegenome in algal involved potentially marine brownalgae.Inordertoidentifycandidates Our lab is interested inthe physiology of disease resistancein Scottish Institute Scottish Marine Science, for Marine Association mus & Mau Sterck, Florian , MarekElias,Lieven Zambounis Antonios adaptive immunity? of capable algae brown are genes: NB-ARC-TPR the in shuffling exon Intense Chair: Prof.JulietBrodie SESSION C:Evolutionandphylogeny ticellularity. of mul the origin in cancerandstemcellresearchelucidating desmus exercise, identification gene preliminary this on based Equally,constraints. selective convergent exceptional under are are eitherhighlyconserved or types involvedinmulticellularity of cancerous cells. This is indicative that the fundamental gene protein expressedonthe surface ity toadhesion a tumourcellular similar was However, BLAST hit organisms. significant most the pathways foundonlyinmulticellular and signalling aggregation in cellular but also in photosynthesis, not onlyinvolved that were desmus forms of andcolonial expressed genesinbothunicellular between differentiallypredict anypotentialfunctionalsimilarities to and sequences identify to used were tBLASTx and tBLASTn BLASTn, using searches BLAST genes. expressed sequenced on the were performed searches lated genes.In-depthsimilarity Ectocarpus siliculosus Ectocarpus siliculosus Spirulina Claire Gachon couldhavethepotentialtobeutilisedasanethicalmodel and other multicellular organisms. Genes were identified exhibitsphenotypicplasticityandcanswitchbe : a model organism for investigating cancer investigating for organism model a : in theKingdomofSaudi Arabia. for of homologues animalandplant Elliot Shubert Ectocarpus 2 /day. The proteinpercentage OOLR and ROCO-LRR Desmo Desmo ------gella seems likelythat other marineparasiticspeciessuchas described as well as their effects on theirseaweedhosts. It also and ultrastructureoftheselittlestudiedmarineoomyceteswillbe the nematode parasite, pears to be themostgenusformingacladewith basal-known and Peronosporomycetes. Saprolegniomycetes the clades terrestrial predominantly the twomain before lineage, the oomycete within early diverge genera these marine shown such as of seaweeds However,origin. parasites holocarpic recentstudiesonobligate plants, trees and fish and were long considered to be of terrestrial parasites of The oomycetesarebestknownasdevastating School ofBiology, NewcastleUniversity Gordon WilliamBeakes their relationshiptoother“Chromistans” and lineage the of phylogeny evolutionary the about us tell All atsea: of theevolutionadaptiveimmunityinearlyeukaryotes. matic recombination. We will discuss these findings in the context algae mightgeneratetheirimmunerepertoire that brown we hypothesize in plantsandanimals.Inconclusion, strikingly similar tosystems the pathogenrecognitiondescribed receptors are pathogen features ofthesecandidate evolutionary arms race. pathogen and structural organization, The genomic genetic data to environmental parameters andtoecophysiologi data to environmental genetic to link species and itisintended lation structure ofbothpolar of thepopu analysis to adetailed lead could experiments growth methods withphysiological molecular of traditional combination in harshconditions,suchas the Arctic orSouthern Ocean. The but moreespecially adapts isabletosurviveinany environment continuously that species a Only evolution. reflecting changing, and isalways conditions toadapt ecological tor foraspecies stages. Geneticdiversityisthekeyfac sizes anddevelopmental oftheir regardless differentiation), (infra-specific below even or to identify phytoplankton andits diversity downto species level the possibility by providing microalgae cades tostudyplanktonic techniques have become a valuable additional tool in the past de performance. Molecular known abouttheirbasicecophysiological pects of as biogeochemical and their habitats.Manyecological within antarctica genus of theprymnesiophyte species The twocoldwatercolony-forming UMR 7621,ObservatoireOcéanologique vey; Evolution andBiodiversity, Ruhr University; Sciences; sity ofRostock,InstituteBiological will also be in this basal group of oomycetes. It is now clear that clear of oomycetes.Itisnow group this basal be in also will 1 rian Leese Gaebler-Schwarz Steffi P. pouchetii of ecology and diversity Genetic their diatomandphaeophytehosts. with along co-evolved oomycetes that likely quite seems It line. asitoid cousin which also includes the uniflagellate Hyphochytrids and their par the Chromista/Heterokonta within line to amonophyletic belong genera appear to diverging beobligateparasites. The oomycetes have longbeenadaptedtotheparasiticlifestyle.Indeedallearly and sea the in firmly roots evolutionary their have oomycetes the Alfred Wegener InstituteforPolarandMarineResearch; 5 and UPMC Univ Paris 06, Observatoire Océanologique; Phaeocystis Phaeocystis Lagenisma in the Southern Ocean, are known to be key species to be known Ocean, are the Southern in Oomycete parasites of marine algae and what they 3, 4 –abipolarapproach , LindaK.Medlin Pirsonia, : , both ofwhichinfectcentricmarinediatoms, spp.havealreadybeenstudied,butlessis Phaeocystis as well the photosynthetic Ochrophyta 1 Olpidiopsis , Manuela Goers , Manuela Haptoglossa 5, 6 &UlfKarsten

pouchetii spp.and Phaeocystis antarctica . The general morphology 2 , LydiaGustavs inthe Arctic and 4 British Antarctic Sur British Antarctic 2 Eurychasma

via 3 Eurychasma Animal Ecology,Animal controlled so controlled 2 6 Univer CNRS, 2 Ectro have , Flo and ap P. ------

BPS Winter Meeting 2012 cal response patterns. `Ecophysiological genetics` is a novel approach to investigate Phaeocystis and may offer new insights into ecological questions and the reaction of key species to pre- Does the Laminaria digitata gametophyte bank act as a ge- dicted climatic changes in both Polar Regions. First results will netic diversity repository? be showed. Lucía Couceiro, Marine Robuchon, Akira F. Peters & Myriam Va- lero

O father, where art thou? Paternity analyses in a natural pop- ÉQUIPE BEDIM, Station Biologique de Roscoff ulation of the red seaweed, Chondrus crispus Shallow nearshore waters in temperate and high latitudes are Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield, Stéphane Mauger, Denis Roze, Chris- dominated by large brown algae, primarily kelps –Order Lami- tophe Destombe & Myriam Valero nariales–, which form dense stands on rocky substrates and al- ternate macro- and microscopic life-history stages. It is generally Marine Biological Association of the UK assumed that the microscopic forms of some of these species are able to delay their development and persist periods unfavour- Chondrus crispus is an ecologically and economically important able to the larger morphologies. However, since they are small intertidal red seaweed of which little is known about its population and difficult to observe in the field, their relative contribution to biology. This species follows an isomorphic haploid–diploid life the population recruitment/persistence has remained relatively history in which dioecious haploid gametophytes alternate with a unexplored. The main objective of this work is to obtain a com- diploid tetrasporophyte. Male gametophytes release non-motile plete understanding of the Laminaria digitata life history and the spermatia that fertilize the carpogonium. Fertilization results in ecological/evolutionary importance of its microscopic stages. In the formation of a cystocarp, a swelling on the haploid female particular, it is expected to establish (i) if the recovery of its popu- thallus housing the diploid zygote and the subsequent mitotically- lations after potential perturbations – e.g. increasing temperature, produced diploid daughter spores (carpospores). The objective harvesting, or pollution– depends on the arrival of new individuals of this study was to understand the impacts of haploid-diploidy, from neighbour locations or, by the contrary, it is determined by male gamete dispersal and the intertidal landscape on fine-scale the presence of local microscopic stages that may act as a “seed genetic structure in C. crispus. Individual fronds were sampled bank” and, (ii) if this bank of microscopic forms might function every 25 cm in two 5 m x 5 m grids located at the upper and lower as a “genetic memory” accumulating and storing gametophytes edge of the C. crispus–range at one intertidal site. Fronds and formed during different years and, therefore, increasing effective cystocarps (excised from female gametophytes) were genotyped population size. using polymorphic microsatellite loci. The maternal allele at each locus can be determined from the genotyped haploid female ga- metophytic thallus. Therefore, the paternal genetic contribution is the remaining allele. In contrast to diploid organisms, the pater- SESSION D: Applied algal monitoring nal multilocus genotype can be reconstructed without inference and directly compared to the gametophytic genotypes sampled Chair: Dr Maeve Edwards within the population. Very large levels of inbreeding, specifically intergametophytic selfing, were detected within populations using Potential Important Plant Areas (IPA’s in Wales) indirect methods (e.g. Fis). This was supported by the paternity analyses in which larger kinship coefficients were detected be- Francis Bunker tween males siring cystocarps on the same female in comparison to males in the entire population. However, only one putative sire MarineSeen was identified in the sampled population, the remaining 424 sires Several sites have been highlighted by the Countryside were not sampled. The location of putative sires is discussed in Council for Wales (CCW) as being of interest for their ma- light of the novel model of population structure detected in this rine algae, either as species rich sites or for supporting rare/ species in which large levels of inbreeding are associated with scarce/BAP species. Many of these sites were designated in low levels of genetic differentiation. 2007 as provisional Important Plant Areas (pIPA) and all the sites are situated within marine Special Areas of Conserva- tion (SACs) or Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The North Atlantic colonization of Fucus and its diversifica- tion It was decided that further survey work was needed to pro- vide an inventory of species and a baseline methodology Jeanine Olsen, Wytze Stam & Jim Coyer against which future monitoring might be undertaken. CCW commissioned MarineSeen to study 6 sites between 2009 MarBEE-CEES, University of Groningen and 2011. The genus Fucus arose around 3-5 mya in the Pacific and radi- The six sites studied included: ated into the Atlantic on at least two occasions <500-800K years ago. Once reaching the Atlantic, repeated glacial and interglacial 1. Rhosneigr intertidal reefs (Anglesey). A total of 83 spe- periods have shaped the genus resulting in numerous species cies (including species groups) were recorded from se- and ecotypes for which the phylogeography is well known. Stud- lected habitats during the present survey. ies by our lab and others over the past 15 years have demon- strated inter- and intra-specific hybridization, as well as habitat 2. Llanbedrog low water lagoon (Llyn Peninsula). The gen- selection leading to further ecotypic differentiation. Fucus species eral species richness of the lagoon reflects that of the now dominate intertidal zones over 45 degrees of latitude along surrounding area and with species of interest Spyridia the European Atlantic yet reproductive isolation is, at best, partial. filamentosa and Dudresnaya verticillata Is this because the timeframe is too shallow for reproductive iso- 3. Oyster Bank sublittoral Site (Pwllheli). This site is a not lation to become complete or are other processes at work? With only very rich in seaweeds, some of which are rare and the possibility of acquiring whole genome sequences in the very two of which are designated as UK BAP species (An- near future, opportunities to explore genome architecture will help otrichium barbatum and Grateloupia montagnei). to unravel some of the reasons for Fucus’ enormous success. 15 16 The Phycologist no. 83 Ireland andoneareaof live maerlinMilfordHaven,SouthWales. sel farming.In the UK, there areextensivebedsinScotlandand mus and fish and eutrophication UK), the in stopped (now tion by a range offactors anthropogenic suchas commercial extrac Annex V calcareum matolithon with to maerl protection legislative Directive gives Habitats create habitatsof high benthicbiodiversity. that to Rhodophyta) canbuildupovermillennia gae (Corallinales, coralline redal Maerl habitatsnon-jointed comprise loose-lying of Belfast; 1 Cooke Bunker Francis (unat maerl living tached corallinealgae)inWales of bed only the in changes Monitoring 6. 5. 4. Conservation Sciences, Cardiff University; 1 pert Perkins Christopher Williamson land, Eastern Aegean Sea: spatialdistributionandimpacts Caulerpa racemosa live maerl. limpet, (3) 2005. since bed the maerl in Aof theslipper abundance in rise now banned,wasknowntohavetaken place although dredging, between 2005and2008.(2)Scallop Hook LNGjettyterminal of theSouth tion oftheoldEssojettytrestleandconstruction likely being:(1) the renova activity during industrial The intensive of livemaerlsince2005withthemost may accountforadecline in theinvasiveslipperlimpet in live increase a conspicuous maerl coverattwoofthesites,alongside decline significant a was there 2010 and 2005 Between in 2010. construction work,themaerlwasre-evaluated Following Cladophora rhodolithica and ed at6sites. maerl epiphytes The endemic collect were infauna and epibiota algal status (live/dead/fossil), of themaerlbed,b old Esso jetty, which involvedconstructionworkoverthearea Area ofIn Conservation. 2005, justpriorto lar conservationimportanceinthe Pembrokeshire MarineSpecial The MilfordHavenmaerlbedislistedasacomponentof particu Natural History Museum, London; Natural HistoryMuseum,London; MarineSeen; Gracilaria dura habitats atthesite.Includedinspeciesrecordedwas This surveyhasonlycoveredasmallnumberofexample from the7habitatsstudied. were recorded macroalgae West Angle (Pembrokeshire). A total of 68 speciesof toring. longtermmoni weed richhabitat aspartofestablished Ain thissea were undertaken seriesoftimessearches site (Tremadogmonitoring sublittoral Sarn Badrig Bay). storms. A resurveyisrecommendedhere. by recent had beenravaged subtidal and theshallow in species poor habitat The shorewasaratherscoured (Tremadogsubtidal shore andshallow Glanllynau Bay). Cruoria cruoriaeformis 3 Crepidula fornicata, Crepidula . Throughout Europemaerlbedshavebeenimpacted 3 Countryside CouncilforWales 2 2 School ofSciences,Queen’sBiological University 1 , Christine A. Maggs A. Christine atitsnortherndistributionlimit. aseline monitoring data formaerlextentand monitoring aseline var. and 1, 2 wasdescribed. , Mark Jenner cylindracea Lithothamnion corallioides Lithothamnion taking space previously available to available takingspacepreviously were recorded,anda new species Crepidula fornicata Crepidula 3 Archipelagos, Institute Archipelagos, for Marine 2 School of Earth and Ocean 2 , MikeCamplin invasion around Arki Is 2 , Anastasia Miliou , Anastasia The European Union’s the renovationof the Gelidiella calcicola Gelidiella . Various factors included in included 3 & Aethne 3 &Ru - - Phy ------

assemblages. invertebrate native in changes cause to sufficient not were these low despite observed were specie richness(S), assemblage diversity(D)andevenness(J’) emosa between as aresultofcompetitiveinteractions perhaps grass bedsubstratum,of independent exposureorabundance, sion. Increasedfrondsizeswere observed on such conditionsasfavourablefor sheltered siteshighlightinva within recorded via abioticorbioticcontrols.Higherabundances range expansion intothe area, rather limitation than abundance recent a reflect likely abundances Low cover). % 2.13 ± 12 age (aver regions Mediterranean from otherinvaded than recorded and across all substratumtypes, although at lower percentcovers grass bed). types wereexamined(rock, sand and each site,3substratum and within and exposed) erately exposed were assignedto one of three exposureratings(sheltered,mod in 10sitesaround assemblages invertebrate Arki Island.Sites and effectsdistribution, morphology and tonativemacroalgae fore employedtoexamine waters. Underwater Visual Census (UVC) techniques were there distributions ispoorlydeveloped andcoordinatedwithinGreek lia e.g. invaders, sparse incomparisontomorewell-known thealga’ssearch examining distribution andimpactsisrelatively ecosystems, yetre toimpactMediterranean serious invaders type. substratum Eastern to exposureand Sea,Greece,incomparison Aegean sa An examinationof the extentandimpactsof dcto: h rls f hclgcl ilgcl Research Centres (BRCs) Biological phycological of roles The Education: the outburst delayed of minewater could set back somerecovery. of seaweed recolonisation shores hasoccurred.In some areas up measures,butonlypartial clean by deliberate in Co.Durham last 30 yearstherehasbeenerosionof accumulated spoil,aided in the shores. Withthecessationofcoastalminestonedumping ants suchassewage,sometimesresultinginalmostalgal-bare pollut cies toagreaterdegreethanthatduemoretraditional spe seaweed at thesurface.Bothtypesofwastecaneliminate the water oxidises when of ferricsolids in precipitation resulting in theminewhichcanmakeitandiron-rich, acid, deoxygenated of ageing bursts outafteraperiod in themineeventually mulates out ofthemine. pumped water hasnotbeen The waterthataccu so thatthe abandoned been have mines until problem a serious become not does this but water drainage mine mainly is effluent liquid shores. The shingle new creating and column, water the in their biotaspecies attachment, and inhibitingincreasingturbidity effect,chemical polluting smothering solidbedrocksubstrataand three areas. in all seashores rather thana This exertsaphysical whichhasbeendumpeddirectlyontointertidal spoil orminestone coal is waste solid The wastes. liquid and solid both from result Cumbria andtheFife coast of the Firth of Forth. Adverse effects communities. seaweed These areasareCountyDurham,west effectsthe coast,therehavebeenconsiderable ontheintertidal has takenplaceon coal-mining In threeareasofBritain,where Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Centre for Marine BiodiversityandBiotechnology, School of Life Martin Wilkinson seaweed communities? intertidal British to done industry coal-mining the has What . Inparticular,and assemblage of invasivespecies monitoring var. and the seagrass. Negativeimpactsto native macroalgae cylindracea C. racemosa , SharonWoolsey &Caitriona Buggle C. racemosa invasion wasperformedaround Arki Island, waspresentinsitesofallexposures C. racemosa’s C. racemosa is regarded as one of themost as one isregarded Posidonia shallow (0 –5m)spatial shallow abundance, although abundance, Caulerpa racemo Caulerpa P. oceanica

oceanica C. taxifo C. rac sea sea ------BPS Winter Meeting 2012 Christine N. Campbell & John G. Day Monitoring the physiological and behavioural responses of rocky shore benthic biofilms to varying temperatures Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute Naomi Ginnever & Rupert Perkins

In the 21st century phycology has come of age. The rapid de- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University velopments in molecular biology, (genomics, proteomics etc.), have ensured that fundamental and applied algal research is Compared to soft sediment microalgal communities, very little re- at the cutting edge of science. In parallel, potent economic and search has been undertaken focussing on rocky shore microalgal political drivers, such as fuel & food security and global warm- biofilms. In particular little is known regarding their photophysi- ing, have stimulated interest in the biotechnological exploitation ology and capacity to regulate their primary productivity. This is of algae. Such an upsurge in interest necessitates the accessi- despite Britain’s rocky shores being important areas of high bio- bility of education, delivered as living material with accompany- diversity which is in part supported by these phototrophic com- ing bioinformatic data, as training courses for PhD students and munities. researchers in the biotechnology and biofuel industries, and, as outreach activities to educate school pupils and the general pub- Benthic biofilms were collected from Dunraven Bay in Bridgend. lic about the wonders and uses of algae. Biological Resource This is an exposed rocky shore with the phototrophic commu- Centres (BRCs) such as the CCAP Collection are ideally posi- nity dominated by high density diatom and cyanobacterial bio- tioned to fulfil this requirement. They contribute both as resource films. The tolerance to heat and light stress of this community and service infrastructures and repositories of gathered expert was investigated ex situ using environmental computer controlled knowledge on identifying, isolating, culturing and ex situ conser- chambers, which maintain and monitor the temperatures within vation of algal material. In the past five years there has been a tidal simulation tanks. The biofilm samples were exposed to 5, rapid increase in demand for services and materials from culture 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C for 48 and 60 hours. Measurements collections. Cultures are available for use in teaching at school, were taken using a Walz Water PAM fluorometer every 4 hours undergraduate and post graduate levels. SAMS has recently de- during the daylight hours. Samples which were exposed to tem- veloped a series of continuous professional development (CPD) peratures above 15°C all experienced very rapid reductions in the courses and CCAP now regularly delivers short practical courses capacity to induce non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) which is on topics such as ‘Algal Culturing for Biotechnology’ and ‘Long the major photosynthetic regulatory mechanism for rocky shore term conservation of marine microbial resources’. CCAP has also biofilms. Thermal microscopy was used to observe cell behaviour witnessed a novel interest in using algae, such as bioluminescent at changing temperatures. Above 14°C the cells began to move species, for art installations – a ‘left-field’ method of educating the within their tubes. Findings suggest that tube forming diatoms in public about the fascinating world of algae! this community may have an additional behavioural regulatory mechanism to compensate for reduced NPQ capacity during pe- riods of high temperature and high light exposure. MANTON SESSION ONE

Chair: Prof. Paul Hayes Impact of herbicides on river biofilms: a multifaceted ap- The dynamics of toxic and non-toxic strains of the harmful proach dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense from Scottish Waters Helen Rosenkranz1, A.M. Anesio2, M.G. Kelly3, M.L. Yallop1 Lisa Eckford-Soper1; Keith Davidson1; David Green1; Eileen Bresnan2 & Jean-Pierre Lacaze2 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol; 2School of 1Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Insti- Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol; 3Bowburn Consul- tute; 2Marine Scotland Science tancy Harmful algal blooms pose a threat to human health worldwide. In Scottish waters this is most commonly through the production A wide range of techniques have been published in the literature of bio-toxins that are concentrated and then vectored to humans to assess the impact of herbicides on river biofilms. These stud- by filter feeding shellfish.One of the most prominent harmful spe- ies conducted field and laboratory experiments primarily on iso- cies is the dinoflagellates Alexandrium tamarense that produces lated single species (like in standardised growth inhibition tests), bio-toxins associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). or worked on whole biofilms. Each of the used methods focused A. tamarense can be highly toxic with the presence of relatively on different components and functioning of the complex benthic low cell densities (<1000 cells l-1) potentially resulting in shellfish communities. fishery closures. Historically Scottish waters were thought to be dominated by the toxic group I ‘North American’ Strain but in re- During my PhD several different approaches were applied to de- cent years there has been a shift towards the non-toxic group termine the impact of herbicides on biofilms. Experiments were III ‘Western European’ Strain with both strains potentially co- performed on natural biofilm communities both in the laboratory occurring at the same location. I shall present some initial find- and field. Clonal species were isolated from the field samples and ings from a set of a set of laboratory batch culture, time course growth inhibition tests were performed under standardised labo- growth experiments where both toxic and non-toxic strains of A. ratory conditions. Various parameters were selected to quantify tamarense were co-cultured at different temperatures (12, 15 and impacts including: community biomass measurements (ashfree-, 18°C). Cells were grown in low phosphate media (5µM) so cells dry weight and chlorophyll a), assessment of the function of the experienced the phosphate limitation that is thought to promote community (photosynthesis and respiration, bacteria and virus toxicity. A Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization-Flow Cytometry-Cell biomass) as well as species biovolume and diversity identification (FISH/FC) Sorting-Based Method was developed for the separa- to class, genera and species level using microscopy. Compari- tion and enumeration of these morphologically indistinguishable sons were then made between techniques used to study selected ribotypes. Differences in growth rates were noted between toxic structural and functional parameters. In this talk I present insights and non-toxic strains. Early results appear to suggest that there into the impact of selected herbicides on the biofilm community is a difference in growth dynamics between toxic and non-toxic and individual taxonomic groups and evaluate the various meth- strains as well as some allelopathic interactions in co-culture. odological approaches applied.

17 18 The Phycologist no. 83 assessed by applying a known hydrodynamic shear stress. a knownhydrodynamic assessed byapplying To days growth, the strengthof adhesion theresulting biomassis by blendingthe culturedalga obtained filaments multicellular small of consisting inoculum ing ofsurfacesfromastart The assayisbasedonthecolonization is described. experiments and controlled ples inwell-replicated sam of setsexperimental scale forthescreening appropriate at an algae, forectocarpoid bioassay adhesion laboratory-based on theiradhesion. In the presentstudy, the of development a properties physico-chemical surface of influence the on studies other underwaterstructures.However, there arefewsystematic are significant members of fouling communities on ship hulls and Ectocarpaceae family the in algae brown filamentous of Species University ofBirmingham,SchoolBiosciences Emmanuelle Evariste to relation surface wettability, polarityandcharge in algae ectocarpoid for preferences Adhesion presented anddiscussed. formis drotheca closterium - and sii - bacteria ing form biofilm six species: forming biofilm microalgal and bacterial extracted mL-1) for their screened been have from microalgae AF activityagainst μg 100 to 0.01 (from MNPs of concentrations Five consuming. material and time are which trials, field-testing to them taking before bioassays multispecific through tested are erties oftheMPNs. MNPs activities ofpromising The biological assessed through toxicity testing to confirm the eco-friendly prop for activity is biocidic and biostatic Incombination, AF purposes. that aremorerelevant activityusingbioassays mation inhibition In this project new MNPs have been screened for their biofilm for inhibition. growth assess only and monospecific are presently used says that mimicthoseintheenvironment. of thebioas The majority tory can be very challenging, as it is difficult to recreate conditions the Assessing MNPs inthelabora eco-friendly AF activityofnew under controlledconditions. on alargescale growth rateandcanbecultivatedsustainably as asourcefor MNPs areattractivebecausetheyhaveahigh MNPs) thathave potential for use in AF Microalgae applications. production of biogenic compounds(marinenaturalproducts, for the organisms marine interestinscreening There isgrowing ronmentally friendlyantifouling(AF)compounds. envi and specific more for search the driving is and problematic is still widelyused,buttheirtoxicityagainstnon-target-organisms are paints antifouling metal-based heavy and ments. Biocides treat preventive novel of deployment and development the tifies can havemajoreconomicandenvironmentalimpacts,whichjus man-made submergedsurfacesby micro andmacroorganisms, Biofouling, defined as the undesirable colonisation of natural and and BiomedicalSciences,UniversityofPortsmouth Université deCaenBasse; goBank-Caen, 1 Patel Ghezlane Id Daoud of biogeniccompoundsextractedfrommarinemicroalgae activity antifouling assessing for bioassays of Development School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth; Sciences, University of Biological School Exanthemachrysis gayraliae , Vibrio aestuarians Halomonas Halomonas aquamarina 3 , J.Pope and Lotharella globosa Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii Pseudoalteromonas 1 , P.K. Hayes 1 , , M. Devonshire Porphyridium purpureum , MaureenCallow&James , Vibrionatrigens 1 ; six algalspecies microphytobenthic &C.Hellio . The resultsof these studieswillbe , Ectocarpus crouaniorum Pleurochrysis roscoffensis Pleurochrysis 1 , P. Gurung , 1 Shewanella putrefaciens Shewanella 3 School ofPharmacy , , Polaribacter irgen Polaribacter Amphora coffeae 1 , B. Véron . After 14 . After , 2 Cylin , A.V. 2 Al ------

carbon cycle and the food web. Marine phytoplankton are taxo carbon cycleandthefoodweb.Marinephytoplankton primaryproduction. the global to theglobal They alsocontribute of half for about they areresponsible microscopic, being spite There is more to marine phytoplanktonthanmeets the eye: de gener InstituteforMarineandPolarResearch 4 Biology; Evolutionary sity ofEdinburgh,Institute Aquaculture, University ofNordland and Group, Faculty ofBiosciences Research Ecology Marine Hoarau Alexander Jueterbock shores Driving the impact of climate change on North Atlantic rocky Species key macroalgal the of Responses models. orfocusoncarbon budget gene transferonadaptation horizontal influence may that evolution innaturalpopulations, I will eithermodeltheimpactof factors ecological for account to ability our tion propertiesof future algae communitiesbetter. To increase ment, which may allow us to predict composition and carbon fixa how likely lineages are to adapt ina long-term selectionexperi for is adaptive the conditions tested here. Next, we willdetermine Ostreocococcus Weorganism. model in plasticity that phenotypic demonstrate genus ofpicoplankton, widely-distributed plastic responsesrelateto adaptive responses.Hereweuseone be usefultoknowhow and itwould short-term plasticresponses biology. However, as mostresearchfocuseson oceanographic evolutionary in question open an still is populations large in tion plasticity affectsWhether andhowphenotypic adapta genetic integration. plasticity andphenotypic tion, inparticularphenotypic on adaptationandprocessesfavouringorconstrainingadapta focus and picoplankton, for mostmarine extinction global and ing desired conditions,adapt,or go extinct. We canruleoutmov track the can organisms environment, totheir changes drastic with confronted When stratification. of intensification an and pH perature. This willbe-and hasbeen-byadropin accompanied in seasurfacetem and increases CO2 pressure in atmospheric predict furtherincreases (IPCC) scenarios on ClimateChange however,to change. arebound Panel The Intergovernmental oceans, nutrients. The sufficient and irradiance sufficient is there ments andarefoundthroughout thewatercolumnaslong nomically diverse,environ occurring incoastalandopen-ocean 1 Bjoern Rost Elisa Schaum Small things,plasticity, adaptationandclimate change to thatforthegreenalga, response of the polarcoatingsalsobearanetpositivesurfacecharge. The through aminopropyl groups, showthatthistrendisreversed through aminopropyl xerogel coatingsinwhichpolarityiscontributed organosilica cross-linked, of range a with results However, tests. field in cies energy.spe by ectocarpoid Suchcoatingsalsoshowlowfouling high totalsurface energy) andahighpolarcontributiontosurface adhesion is weakest onthosecoatingswitha high wettability(i.e. energy, wettability andpolarity. In general,theresultsshowthat based, elastomericcoatingsvaryingsystematicallyinsurface to wasappliedarangeofsiloxane- the bioassay experimental affectof coatings which surfaceproperties understand adhesion, University of Edinburgh, Centre forSystemsBiology; University ofEdinburgh, University of Edinburgh, School ofSciences; Biological 5

E. crouaniorum 1 , Sinead Collins is ecotype specific. We also show that plasticity that show also We specific. ecotype is , J.A. Coyer, L. Tyberghein, J.L Olsen & G. 3 University of Dundee, Oceanography; of Dundee, University Ulva tothesurfaceswasalsocompared . 2 , John Raven Ostreocococcus 3 , Andrew Millar , Andrew Fucus serratus 5 Alfred We 2 Univer , as a 4 &

if : ------BPS Winter Meeting 2012 Climate change is likely to have a profound impact on the marine Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South intertidal, where ecosystem resilience already suffers from ad- Bohemia ditional human stressors. Its impact largely depends on how the key species of this ecosystem respond to increasing temperature. Although hybrid speciation is common in land plants, it has not Basically, they are confined to three possible strategies: to (1) been identified with certainty in green algae. Here we explore move, (2) be plastic or (3) evolve. Our overall objective was to the possibility of hybrid speciation in the genus Halimeda. Phy- uncover responses of the habitat provisioning key species Fucus logenetic trees of several nuclear (EF1a, HSP90, SSU-ITS) and serratus that have the potential to provoke changes throughout plastid-encoded (tufA, rbcL, UCP3, UCP7) loci are reconstructed, the entire North Atlantic intertidal ecosystem. More specifically, showing conflicts between plastid and nuclear gene trees. We we aimed to (1) predict distributional changes of this macroalgae attempt to test for hybrid speciation likelihood by means of rela- under three IPCC scenarios with ecological niche models using tive gene trees divergence estimates and phylogenetic networks the program Maxent and (2) identify genetic changes and puta- analyses. tively selected loci in four populations that we had sampled at the beginning and end of the previous decade and genotyped for 31 microsatellite loci. Our niche models predict that the fundamental niche of F. serratus shifts up to 1000 km north within the coming Polyphasic approach in systematics and delimitation of the two centuries. At the southern limit of distribution, in Spain, the Oocystaceae family allelic richness had already significantly declined by 14% over the past decade. Although each of the four genotyped populations Lenka Štenclová & Marie Pažoutová revealed significant genetic changes over the past decade, outlier loci coincided only partly between them. If the southern popu- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South lations are despite high genetic diversity unable to evolve toler- Bohemia ance to increasing temperature, they will become extinct under The family Oocystaceae comprises a group of microscopical the predicted northward niche shift. The presence of outlier loci green algae and has been relatively well-defined on the basis however suggests adaptive responses of F. serratus to climate of morphological and subsequently ultrastuctural data. Several change that might mitigate the predicted extent of northward re- phylogenetic studies based on ribosomal SSU rRNA sequences treat. Otherwise, the affected coastal regions may undergo sub- confirmed its monophyly inside the class Trebouxiophyceae. In stantial ecosystem restructuring with an unpredictable impact on addition these studies demonstrated the polyphyly of the type ge- human society and economy. nus Oocystis and several morphologically close species from the families Scenedesmaceae, Chlorellaceae and Radiococcaceae are embedded within the Oocystaceae. As an attempt towards Role of the engineering species Laminaria digitata on the as- a major revision of the systematics of Oocystaceae, we are ap- sociated algal community plying a polyphasic approach using multigene molecular phy- logenies combined with morphological observations and TEM. Marine Robuchon, L. Couceiro, M. Valero & L. Le Gall We use the nuclear ITS region and plastid rbcL gene in addi- tion to the ribosomal SSU rRNA data because of poor resolution Station Biologique de Roscoff of some lineages in the SSU phylogenies and the occurrence of long branches which may cause topological artefacts. In addi- Kelp forests are emblematic marine ecosystems in temperate tion to previous ultrastructural observations of the genera Oo- waters. Their removal profoundly disturbs the whole ecosystem cystis, Eremosphaera, Neglectella and Makinoella, we confirmed and modifies community structure. Therefore they have been the specific cell-wall structure for the taxa formerly placed in the described as ecosystem engineers. However, their exact role in Scenedesmaceae (e.g. Tetrachlorella alternans and Willea sp.). the associated community remains unclear. In Brittany, Laminaria digitata is the dominant kelp species of the low intertidal rocky seashore. This species has been harvested for decades, consti- tuting an interesting model not only from a scientific but also from Systematic studies of the genus Halymenia (Halymeniales; a cultural and economic point of view. The main goal of this study Rhodophyta) in Pacific basin is to address the role of Laminaria digitata on the associated al- gal community as an engineering species. Specifically, we aim to Jazmin Hernandez-Kantun, A. Sherwood, J. Huisman, O. De answer the following questions: i) Does the presence of L. digitata Clerck & R. Riosmena-Rodriguez facilitate the recruitment of other algal species? ii) Is the alpha diversity of algae higher when L. digitata is present? iii) Is the spe- Irish Seaweed Research Group, National University of Ireland cies composition more stable over time in presence of L. digitata? Species of the genus Halymenia are distributed from temperate To fulfil our objective, a field survey was set up at low tide within to tropical regions. Ecologically they are associated to rhodolith a 1400 m2 area were L. digitata formed a dense forest. Forty five beds, rocky shores and coral reefs. Traditionally, gross morphol- quadrats (0.25 m2) were realized: 15 burnt quadrats, 15 burnt ogy and anatomical features have been used to characterize the quadrats with L. digitata transplants and 15 control quadrats. The various species in the genus. But since morphology is increas- aim of this experimental design is to compare the recruitment ingly regarded as an inadequate estimator of species diversity, kinetic of macroalgae during two years between burnt quadrats we applied a molecular approach to Halymenia diversity in two containing kelp transplants and those without transplants at dif- regions of the world, the Indo-Pacific and the Gulf of California. ferent times after the beginning of the experiment. Preliminary Twenty-two species of the genus Halymenia are known from the results (one month and six months after the beginning of the ex- Indian Ocean; many are reported with a repeatedly branched periment) on alpha diversity and abundance of new recruits are thallus, toothed margins, spinose proliferations on the blade and presented here. firm gelatinous texture. The H. durvilleii complex in the Indo-Pa- cific needs re-examination because the conclusions of previous authors now seem unlikely after uncovering cryptic diversity with Tracing hybrid speciation in the green seaweed Halimeda molecular data and increased taxon sampling based on our pre- liminary results. The descriptions of a new species from the Ha- Marie Pažoutová & Heroen Verbruggen waiian Islands and the Philippines are presented and compared with previous descriptions of branched Halymenia species. Mor- 19 20 The Phycologist no. 83 with NileRedneutrallipidstaininghasindictedthat oil synthesis Flow cytometrycoupled dioxide. to carbon cultures areexposed when obtained effects the examine to been has focus Aspecific profile lipid production throughout the growth cycle of the diatom. and to follow it hasbeenpossible batch cultureconditions Under production. examined. is being in lipid “key” genes The aimistodetermine pathway,metabolic the glycerolipid target genes,within selected ited. Usingthemodelorganism, edge of oil biosynthesisandits regulation, inmicro-algae,islim biofuel. However,to produce processed knowl level molecular (TAGs).triacylglycerols These neutrallipidscanbechemically of percentages are abletostorehigh species Many micro-algal Scottish MarineInstitute Carole Shellcock in Investigation of gene expression in lipid synthesis pathways in theGulfofCalifornia. tions onthe number of species for the entire orderHalymeniales tion of in thisstudy,described descrip in theoriginal included butinitially reported. traditionally with nine Aof newspecies genus the for identified were species two region ing uncertainty on how manyspeciesbelongto the genusin as with someothergenera in atransversalview, however,are shared thesecharacteristics nous texture and anticlinal filaments running from cortex to cortex nus the ge traditionally species inthisregion.IntheGulfofCalifornia, some ofthese for delineating data wereuninformative phological future deployment. for C:N ratio), anddiscusshowthismaybe furtherenhanced lular excess-C from a knowledge of the elementalstoichiometry (cel of content C-specific the estimating for approach an present we studies israrelyreported.Here biofuels inalgal life cycleanalysis and for stoichiometry chemical for determining important basis an excess-C, of content C-specific the consequence In absent. analysis elemental per cell,with whole organism are reported typically theresults excess-C) aredetermined cellular comprising (collectively carbohydrates and fatty acids is measured.Where chiometry,stoichiometry (andtypicallyC:N) oftenonlyelemental commercial exploitation.Despitetheimportanceof chemical stoi for as feedforgrazersandalsomaterial of microalgae value Elemental andchemicalstoichiometryarefactors that affect the Department ofBioscience,SwanseaUniversity Jiyuan Sui cess carboninmicroalgaefromcellularC:Nratios ex carbohydrate and lipid of accumulation the Estimating genes duringoilaccumulationinbatchculture. scribing the expression patternsof the selected lipidbiosynthesis and storage.Datawillbepresented de periods ofoilproduction pathway genesduring of lipid of geneexpression investigation has enabled system, which for theexperimental and validated P. tricornutum in thelipidsynthesispathwaysof keygenesinvolved to elucidate logical workhasbeencombinedwithamolecularbiologystrategy acid (20:5 shown theoccurrenceoffattyeicosapentaenoic acids including the culturehasenteredstationaryphase.GC-FID analysis has occur once levels oil that thehighest and growth cell behind lags Phaeodactylum tricornutum Halymenia . Halymenia actinophysa Halymenia After including samplesfromaroundtheGulf of California, n-3 , K.J.Flynn&R.J.Shields ), a valuable polyunsaturated molecule. polyunsaturated ), avaluable The physio . Suitable referencegeneshavebeendetermined has been described based on soft and mucilagi on softand based described hasbeen , MicheleStanley, DavidGreen&JohnDay Grateloupia . These results bring many ques many bring results These . P. tricornutum, and Halymenia Cryptonemia, the expression of the expression Cryptonemia contrasting bring is ------reversible oxygen damage to nitrogenase involves arange of reversible oxygendamagetonitrogenase previously examined. The argumentisthat the potential for ir been have to seem not does required are ribosomes additional that for growththepossibility ment forphosphorusdiazotrophic require greater the for reason mechanistic the for searching In growth. for growthonnitrateandlowestdiazotrophic lower source, as nitrogen per day)ishighestforammonium organism the in phosphorus mol per increase weight dry (g efficiency use of four strains of heterocystous cyanobacteria the phosphorus cultures For laboratory nitrogen, by combined is limited plankton phyto in placeswherethegrowthrateothernon-diazotrophic availability trophic growthrateis(partly)limitedbyphosphorus the marinecyanobacterium of Data onpopulations understood. poorly and ismechanistically ment for phosphorushasbeenlesswelldocumented additional require the contrast, By ammonium. especially, and, nitrate on iron and(usually)molybdenumcomparedwithgrowth additional mentally and mechanistically well-characterised requirements for experi has organisms nitrogen-fixing of growth diazotrophic The Hutton Institute at theJames of PlantSciences,UniversityDundee Division Raven John A. Phosphorus andnitrogenfixationincyanobacteria Chair: Prof.Geoff Codd SESSION A: Nutrientlimitations the inland ice sheet margin to the coast. Nutrient limitation was to thecoast. Nutrientlimitation ice sheetmargin the inland from N deposition) (and predicted precipitation ent ofincreasing regions inSouth West Greenland. The 3regionsspanagradi in 21 freshwater lakessituatedin3study tion wasinvestigated years. The effectnutrient limita on phytoplankton ofN deposition dicate thatN-NO in the ice core recordsalsoin from Greenland Arctic. Evidence rapid 20 change asithasonlyrecentlyexperienced a driverofecological as deposition N investigate to opportunity unique a provides also in termsoflakedensity,patterns andvegetation.It precipitation time. ofSouth WestThe region is typicalofthe Greenland Arctic whichhasbeenshowntooccuroverasimilar range Ndeposition, long- otherdriversincluding often ignores such interpretation However,to climate. attributed been has commonly This change changed, andproductivityhasincreasedoverthepast150 years. cords whichsuggestthecompositionof algal communitieshas comes fromlakesedimentre The majorityofthisevidence There is growing evidence ofchangein ecological Arctic lakes. Department ofGeography, LoughboroughUniversity Erica J.Hogan trient limitationin Arctic lakes nu phytoplankton on deposition N range long of effect The and oncombinednitrogen. the ribosomecontent of growingdiazotrophically cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria, diazotrophic heterocystous non- of efficiency night. use the phosphorus to measure work isneeded Additional diazotroph unicellular onadielbasisinthe marine redox catalystsandnitrogenase photosynthetic between of iron the exchange heterocysts, and of synthesis, theproduction by denovo molecules nitrogenase al proteinsynthesisincludethereplacementof oxygen-damaged need for more ribosomes. Examples of requirements for addition the hence and synthesis, protein more require which processes th century warming which has beenobservedelsewhere which centurywarming , S.Mcgowan,&N.J. Anderson 3 - availability has increased during the past150 during has increased availability Crocosphaera Crocosphaera Trichodesmium which only fixes nitrogen at nitrogen fixes only which show that the diazo ------BPS Winter Meeting 2012 investigated 3 times between August 2010 and July 2011, allow- we report the first measurements of growth, and DMSP and DMS ing both seasonal and regional differences to be explored. Phyto- production in two species of chlorophyte macroalgae (Ulva lactu- plankton growth was assessed over 14 days following in vivo fluo- ca and U. clathrata) under future CO2 concentrations. Labora- rescence of samples treated with 1 of 6 nutrient additions: control tory cultures were grown in pH-stated medium that received + - (no addition), P (6 mM NaH2PO4), NH4 (90 M NH4Cl), NO3 (90 pulses of CO2 to create pCO2 conditions ranging from ambient + - mM NaNO3), P + NH4 (final concentrations as before), P + NO3 (432 µatm) to future (1514 µatm). Intracellular concentration of (final concentrations as before). A clear response to nutrient addi- DMSP remained unaffected in both species (101 ± 21 and 69 tion was found in 95 % of all bioassays, and of these, co-nutrient ± 20 mmol g-1 FW in U. lactuca and U. clathrata, respectively) limitation was most commonly recorded (70 %). Phytoplankton but significant differences in release of DMSP and DMS were growth showed strong seasonal variation in nutrient limitation, observed. Whilst production of total DMSP (the sum of external with a shift from P-limitation under ice to co-limitation in spring. DMSP and DMS) was different between replicated experiments, the percentage of total DMSP produced throughout each experi-

ment increased significantly by up to 65% with increasing pCO2 to 1514 µatm. In contrast, DMS production decreased from 0.4 SESSION B: Algal secondary metabolites to 0.25 nmol g-1 FW h-1. This decrease was not a linear function

of pCO2 but an almost 50% step-wise loss of DMS production Chair: Dr Gill Malin was indicated between 635 and 884 µatm, a pCO2 predicted for the next 100 years. Our data suggest that ocean acidification will Trigonelline and other betaines in species of Laminariales have implications for DMS production from benthic seaweeds. Gerald Blunden1, S. Elgass1 & M. D. Guiry2

1 School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of SESSION C: Algal adaptations to environmental change Portsmouth; 2 Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Chair: Dr Rupert Perkins Recently, the betaine trigonelline was reported as a constituent of Laminaria digitata and L. hyperborea. This was the first record Towards predicting the minimum quantum requirement for of this compound in algae. As betaines have been shown to be carbon fixation in European seas of taxonomic value, it was considered of interest to determine whether trigonelline was a feature of all Laminaria species and Evelyn Lawrenz, David Suggett, Elisa Capuzzo, Pasi Ylostalo, to ascertain whether it was present in species in other genera of Rodney Forster, Stefan Simis, Ondřej Prášil, Anna Hickman, the Laminariaceae, as well as in species of other Laminariales Mark Moore & Jacco Kromkamp families. Samples of 13 out of the 32 genera, but with at least one example in each of the seven families listed by AlgaeBase, were Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex tested for the presence of betaines, using previously published procedures. Samples of each dried and powdered species (2.5 Widespread introduction of active fluorometers to oceanography – 4 g) was extracted with aqueous methanol and the extract semi- has increased the scale at which aquatic primary productivity can purified by passage through a column of cation exchange resin. be evaluated. This approach, however, suffers from the limita- Identification was based on thin-layer chromatographic and 1H tion that productivity is determined in a photosynthetic ‘currency’ NMR spectroscopic data. Quantification was achieved using a1 H of electrons produced by the splitting of water at photosystem NMR spectroscopic method. Glycinebetaine was probably pres- II (PSII) whereas most aquatic disciplines are based on carbon- ent in all the species examined. However, in Undaria pinnatifida, specific rates of primary productivity. As such, algorithms are re- L. setchellii and L. sinclairii the content was very low and absolute quired to accurately convert electron transport rates (ETRs) to characterisation was not possible. Similarly, γ-aminobutyric acid carbon fixation rates, which requires knowledge of the minimum betaine was probably a constituent of all five Laminaria species quantum requirement for carbon fixation (φe:c)). This parameter examined and in two of the four Saccharina species, but in L. quantifies the moles carbon fixed per mol electron produced from setchellii, L. sinclairii and the stipe of L. pallida, the content was PSII, and is dependent upon physiological status of phytoplankton very small, and only partial identification was possible. Trigonel- and thus on environmental conditions and taxonomic differences. line was identified only in Laminaria digitata, L. hyperborea, L. Here, as part of the EU program PROTOOL, we present a meta- sinclairii, Saccharina latissima, S. religiosa, Akkesiphycus lu- analysis that has compiled existing (>750 data points from ca. 15 bricus and Pseudochorda nagaii. Glycinebetaine contents var- studies) and novel φe:c data, predominantly from European shelf ied from 0.3 (A. lubricus) to 0.003% (L. setchellii), dry weight, seas to examine the underlying nature with which φe:c varies. This γ-aminobutyric acid betaine from 0.01 (L. digitata and L. hyper- exercise demonstrated that temporal and spatial environmental borea) to 0.003% (L. setchellii), and trigonelline from 0.02 (A. lu- change significantly alters the efficiency with which electrons are bricus and L. hyperborea) to 0.006% (L. digitata). used to fix carbon and has resulted in emergence of some major trends with salinity, temperature and nutrient availability. With this knowledge, new environmental-/taxonomic-based algorithms can now be constructed to more accurately derive high-resolution car-

Effect of elevated pCO2 on the production of dimethylsul- bon fixation measurements from active fluorescence. foniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in two species of Ulva (Chlorophyceae)

Michael Steinke, Philip Kerrison, Mark N. Breckels & Esther Borell Effect of short duration UV irradiation on Dunaliella salina growth and recovery Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex Jorge Munoz1, Fabián Troncoso1, Gonzalo Padilla1, Fabián Fi- Concentrations of the algal secondary metabolite dimethylsulfo- gueroa1 & Stephen M. Mudge2 niopropionate (DMSP) and its climate-cooling breakdown prod- uct dimethyl sulfide (DMS) have been shown to be sensitive to 1Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica; 2Exponent.com ocean acidification in phytoplankton. Similar investigations on the response of marine seaweeds under elevated pCO2 are impor- The genus Dunaliella is particularly known for its ability to adapt tant for quantifying DMS production in future coastal seas. Here to some extreme environmental conditions such as high external 21 22 The Phycologist no. 83 60 th AnniversaryoftheBPSatNaturalHistoryMuseum 23 24 The Phycologist no. 83 Michael D.Guiry tion? revolu technology information the and phycology Whither Chair: Prof.MartinWilkinson SESSION D:Makingseaweeds accessibleforall formation. particle (TEP) ganic carbon,resultingintransparentexopolymer or dissolved of extracellular production surface ortheenhanced been the result ofonthecell increased acidpolysaccharides temperature; thismayhave the diatomsbecamestickyathigher affectedof diatoms. theaggregation that indicates Aggregation of largerparticles. volume concentration Temperatureincrease in the increase with asimultaneous decreased of smallparticles tribution (PSD)withintheculturesasvolumeconcentration cultures. resultedinachangetheparticlesizedis Aggregation in of aggregates to monitortheformation used was successfully time. over not change did and of thespecies shape The LISST scattering signatureof each diatomwasaffected by the size and six different diatom species were measured usingthe LISST. The continuous culturesinthelaboratory. ‘Scattering signatures’ of and on aggregateformationbydiatomsgrowninsemi-continuous strument to determine the effect of temperature andgrowthrate used alaser temperature. Weincreases withincreasing diatom aggregation that research istotestthehypothesis on-going of our objective sink as large particles generallyfaster than smallparticles. The nutrients fromtheeuphotic zone, and theexportofinorganic pump carbon role inthebiological an important plays formation asmarinesnow.sticky aggregatesofcellsknown Marine snow Planktonic diatombloomsoftenterminatewiththeformationof Department ofOceanography, Texas A &MUniversity C.O. Thornton Daniel tering scat laser using aggregation diatom planktonic Measuring UVB naturalspectralproportionhasdoubleitsvalue. occur naturally,that from2001to2011be considered itshould the tion usedherecontainshighproportionof UVB, which doesnot results inthelossofcellcontent. Although, UVspectralcomposi by exposing toUV.tions identicaltothepre-exposure Furtherresultsobtained of 7daysinculture condi over aperiod not berecovered could ability of cells. the unexposed the disabled 2.4 mWalso All dosesabove decrease of cell densityfrom 48 to 94% respectivelycomparedto to a of 4.8mWto14.3 led UV doses growing. to continue its value double and this dose between ation shouldbegiventothe2.4mWsince dose ofUVradiation they didretaintheabilitytogrow.cultures, although, Consider not achievethesamedensityasexhibitedbynon-UVirradiated However,the sevendaysrecoveryperiod. thecellnumberdid during onstrate somegrowthrecoveryincellnumbersincreasing to UV.not exposed those cultures dem did these cultures Hence, a reductioninthe number of viable cellsby 7% comparedwith 2.4 mW, which correspondsto a 10 secondsexposure,induced growth. Resultsshowedthat UV radiation exposureto a dose restore to ability its loses culture the which at flux photon UV of level the determine to and growth subsequent of resilience the of on cultures radiation present study investigates the effect of short exposures to UVA/B salinity and is tolerant to a high photon flux and temperature. This D. salina D. salina in situ to grow afterexposure;theirgrowthcapacity scattering andtransmissometry (LISST) in , ChenJie&CharlesE.Rzadkowolski to 120 secondsleadto cell disruptionand D. salina to quantify cell damage, assess damage, cell quantify to D. salina loses the ability loses ------future ofourscienceisurgentlyrequired. Resist toexist? more evolution. Athe strategy toassure common not giants thantoscience,weneedrevolution of thepublication system moresuitedtotheshareholders impact-factor-driven ible ris processandanpractically on afalteringpeer-review relying by impactfactors and driven In competitivescience periodicals. from printed societies, theincomeforwhichisnowmostlyderived Both areagravethreatto becoming all-pervasive.ourscholarly overstretchedscientistsare ferent peerreviewfromincreasingly a commonstrategy. andnon-existentorindif On-line publication not without Probably countries.” Isthefuturebright? “developing on depend may ultimately countries” anditssurvival “developed extinct in may become the science by funders passé and dated seen asout- seen tobe.Becausetaxonomyisnowhabitually both, ITcess isaiding that itisoften panacea isnottheuniversal IT-driven,that canbeentirely as something better ac but, while Taxonomy andliteratureaccess,inparticular, are becomingseen while a quite now. for is sometimesthecase. And toomuchimagemanagement e-mail legitimate drowning to close been has SPAMburdensome. increasingly from thedrossbecomes grain the of information—sorting world exponential that—in thevirtually technology,software. manipulation andimage is The downside rapid and are much facilitated by e-mail, on-linesubmission,PDF more have become and communication ic process.Publication thereby greatlyacceleratingthescientif electronically available instantly and freely become has is thatinformation The upside Twenty years of the Internet has profoundly influenced phycology. AlgaeBase, RyanInstitute,NationalUniversityofIreland usage but where existing common names are obscure or unhelp are obscure common names existing but where usage Ireland. Where possiblewehave used common namesincurrent and Britain for flora seaweed of third a approximately for names publication rier tothosetryinggetgrips withanewsubject.Inthe2010 bar a as act to potential the have species for names Scientific available inconventionalguides ful alternative.Electronicformats canalsooffernot capabilities offers advent ofe-publishing and moreuse cheaper apotentially the and can beexpensive guides paper and updating Producing to Seaweeds(2010)isonesuchguide. prospect. a realistic guides non-academic Guide The Seasearch of the production makes prices atreasonable photographs lour with co of publishing in theaccessibility tain. Recentadvances ob to difficult or expensive print, of out are texts academic many and guides of availability the on depends identification Seaweed on makingaherbariumandculturingseaweeds. such asseaweedreproduction.Practicalinstructionis also given of shortlecturesontopics by aseries time isinterrupted croscope Courses allowforasmuchtimeinthelaboratorypossible.Mi collecting fromparticularseaweedhabitats. and divers, theyareinstructedonrecognising involve courses Where themselves. for seaweeds finding groups small in work to nation andhabitatpreferencesafterwhichstudentsaredirected is takentoshowfeaturesofrockyshoressuch aszo approach talk’ and ‘walk a field, the In habitats. seaweed and groups weed sea students tothemain introduce Introductory lectures weeds. students fromallwalksoflifetoparticipateandlearnaboutsea The structured approach taken during BPS field courses enables versity Belfast; 1 Francis Bunker Recent SeaweedIdentificationInitiatives MarineSeen; Seasearch GuidetoSeaweeds 2 1 Natural History Museum, London; Natural HistoryMuseum,London; , Juliet Brodie 2 , Christine Maggs e.g. theinclusionofvideoclips. , we included common , weincluded 3 & Anne Bunker 3 Queen’s Uni ------1 BPS Winter Meeting 2012 ful we have provided new alternative names. The authors intend on the seasonally-exposed muddy ‘drawdown’ area of this res- to complete this task for the remaining species currently without ervoir along with Botrydium granulatum and Vaucheria bursata. common names. This terrestrial alga forms macroscopic, cushion-like colonies of dichotomously branched siphonaceous filaments; frequently these filaments are divided into a series of barrel-shaped aki- netes. Undoubtedly many more freshwater algae remain to be Poster Abstracts discovered in the British Isles and new edition of the ‘Flora’ will undoubtedly stimulate further interest in this fascinating group.

Poster Session sponsored by Taylor and Francis Anaglyphs as a tool for algal identification and appreciation Wednesday 4th January 2012 Christopher F. Carter What is the cost of environmental complexity on adapta- tion? 6 Church View, Wootton, Northampton, NN4 7LJ

Georgina Brennan & Sinead Collins Algae have features which can sometimes make them exceeding- ly difficult to present as still images. Even the best line drawings University of Edinburgh do not always relate easily to what is seen down a microscope, especially if the structures are compressed under a coverslip. Here I discuss my plans to investigate the cost of complexity in Some of these problems are addressed in the 2nd edition of “The adaptation and will elucidate how interactions between several Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles” through the use of factors in global change for may affect evolution in large microbial video clips, automontaged images, views from three angles and populations. anaglyphs. An anaglyph is a picture in which the left eye and right eye views are converted to superimposed red and cyan images The research proposed here will expand evolutionary theory that respectively; the original subject is thus recreated when suitable is applicable to large microbial populations experiencing global coloured spectacles are worn. Such pictures are more easily dis- change to examine adaptation to several simultaneous environ- tributed than alternative 3D viewing aids. The technique has been mental changes, and then to experimentally measure the cost particularly successful in interpreting the taxonomic features of (or benefit) of adapting to multiple environmental changes simul- Chara and demonstrating 3-dimensional structures in living ma- taneously. Clamydomonas reinhardtiii, a unicellular, freshwater terial of genera such as Chaetophora, Draparnaldia, Batracho- alga will be used as a model system with the intention of using spermum, Rivularia and, more recently, Asterosiphon dichoto- results from this system to compare with marine algae. Existing mus. The technique is limited since only two out of three primary evolutionary theory, suggests that increasing organism complex- colours are available — so, for example, red objects are seen ity increases the cost during adaptation (Fisher, 1930; Orr, 2000). as very dark whilst green objects are satisfactory. As software We want to identify if this theory can be used to assess the cost becomes available for processing still images to give compatibil- of increasingly complex environments on adaptation or if they al- ity with modern polarizing spectacles this will improve. There are ways have to be treated separately, in which case an alternative also technical problems in processing images at very high magni- evolutionary theory would be required in order to understand evo- fications even with z-compression programmes, such as ‘Image lutionary adaptation within an increasingly complex environment. Automontage’ and ‘Helicon Focus’.

Interesting new records of British freshwater algae from Reaction-diffusion models of diatom pore occlusions Pitsford Water, Northamptonshire Lisa Willis1, Tom Duke2 & Eileen J. Cox3 Chris F. Carter1 & David M. John2 1 2 1 2 CoMPLEX, University College London; London Centre for 6 Church View, Wootton, Northampton, NN4 7LJ; Department Nanotechnology; 3Natural History Museum, London of Botany, Natural History Museum, London The species-specific biosilica cell walls of diatoms exhibit astound- The second edition of ‘The Freshwater Algal Flora of the Brit- ingly diverse morphologies, with structures that span scales from ish Isles’ (John et al. 2011) includes 200 species not in the 2002 5 nm to 0.5 mm. Under normal physiological conditions, the finest edition. About two-thirds of these are new records and at least structures, pore occlusions, assemble and solidify into roughly 16 of these require further verification. One of these doubtful deterministic, delicate patterns in a matter of minutes. These records was the chlorophyte Helicodictyon planctonicum which patterns are believed to be conserved within species and to be was collected in a surface film on flooded terrestrial plants in Pits- propagated faithfully between generations, but vary between spe- ford Water, Northamptonshire. Some of the doubt attaching to it cies. However, there is evidence of variation in morphology and was because illustrations of Helicodictyon planctonicum by Bour- nano-scale structure with growth conditions. Nevertheless, very relly (1972). Les Algues d’Eau Douce. I. Boubee et Cie, Paris) little is known about the biological and physicochemical mecha- of material sent to him by Whitford show little resemblance to nisms that direct nano-mesoscale diatom silica assembly. If the Whitford’s original description (as Heterodictyon planctonicum) mechanisms are simple or synthetically imitable, or if they can be and photographs. The strain of Helicodictyon planctonicum in externally manipulated, then they are potentially of great interest the UTEX culture collection (LB 1570) closely resembles Rhex- to the nanotech industry. inema and this has been confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rDNA sequence. The Pitsford Water material has been We are using abstract and physical models to help identify the isolated by Dr Thomas Pröschold (University of Rostock) who is physical processes that govern pore occlusion formation and proposing to carry out a genomic analysis to determine its rela- their susceptibility to genetic change. Many diatom pore occlu- tionship to other closely related Ulvophycean taxa. Asterosiphon sions seen in nature are reminiscent of the products of reaction- dichotomus is the third new xanthophyte to be discovered in the diffusion models. Making only a few basic assumptions we have British Isles since 2002. It was also discovered in Pitsford Water developed a Laterally Inhibited Stochastic Aggregation (LISA) 25 26 The Phycologist no. 83 monitoring, especially inconservationareas. careful requires kelps native out-compete will it which to extent with itonverticalsurfacesandthe do notcompetewell species habitats. Otherkelp natural to surrounding nas andthenspread mari in alga dominant the became quickly it SAC; Sound outh ind. m 20.7 ±SE0.5 native kelpabundance rock (combined horizontal 0.3 ind.m of 10.2 ± abundance SE on verticalrock(theyhadacombined was almostas common as all of the other kelpspeciescombined rock surfaces(3.5±0.4ind.m on horizontal (pooled datafrom 13 siteshad6.7± SE 0.5 ind.m rock vertical on abundant more significantly was It marina. a in of 23.9m shores, withapeakabundance sites throughout the Sound. horizontal surfaces(at 0 to +1 m relative to chart datum)at 17 Aug-Sept 2011,were recordedonverticaland matureindividuals hyperborea digitata, L. Laminaria polyschides, latissima, Saccorhiza charina of assess thedistribution to chart datum,thesameverticalextentasotherkelps.Here,we from +1mto-7mrelative occurring parts oftheSound sheltered 2011 hadestablishedthat Plymouth Sound in thelowerHambleestuar southern England, Belgium and Holland. The first UK record was France, Spain, in occurs now it Atlantic, NE the In aquaculture. for 1983 to Brittany in introduced deliberately was 1971, and in France of coast Mediterranean the on Europe in discovered first pinnatifida Undaria University ofPlymouth Sabrina Heiser cial Area ofConservation,UK The spreadof macroalgal floraofIrelandfornovelbioactivecompounds. covery. Weand screenthemarine currently studythisbiodiversity biodiversity,macroalgal a high offeringfor biodis potential a huge harbour the coastsofIreland algae, and brown cies ofred,green or cytotoxicactivity.anti-bacterial spe 520 recorded Witharound tabolites, whichmayshowanti-viral,anti-fungal,anti-helminthic, me secondary to contain are known and Phaeophyceae dophyta members of the Rho especially macroalgae, Among marine search. re and biomedical in areassuchasdrugdiscovery application identify anddevelopnaturalproductsotherbiomaterialsfor sample andassesstheIrishmarinebiodiversity, and to extract, Project isto Biodiscovery aim oftheBeaufortMarine The overall sity ofIrelandGalway Irish SeaweedResearchGroup,RyanInstitute,NationalUniver Mark Johnson Svenja Heesch Project Macroalgal biodiversityintheBeaufortMarineBiodiscovery results andfuturedirectionsarepresented. to shape andsizeonocclusionsbeexplored.Somepreliminary in diatomgenera,whichalsoallowstheeffects of changing pore patterns seen occlusion of thepore some that replicates model - ², n=375). - ², n=375) but was outnumbered by nativespecieson ², n=375)butwasoutnumbered and , JasonHall-Spencer&KeithHiscock , MónicaMoniz,MargaretRae,FabioRindi& Undaria pinnatifida L. ochroleuca Undaria pinnatifida Undaria in July2003.Observationsduring2010and isatemperatekelpnativetoSE Asia. It was Undaria Undaria . pinnatifida U. y Undaria in1994. ) inwatersof shallow theSound.In was widespread in thewave- was widespread inPlymouthSoundSpe is now widespread in Plym widespread isnow was widespread along rocky was widespread It was first recorded from recorded first was It andnativekelps( - ² (±2.0ind.m - ², n=375). - ², n=375) than - Undaria ², n=60) Sac ------and then assessed whether communities were locally adapted in adapted locally were communities whether then assessed and Westrains andcommunities, measuredproductivity ofsingle levels ofCO2. regions withnormal springs orfromsurrounding by isolating severalstrainsof microalgae eitherfrom high CO2 Weproductivity? community drive what testedthisexperimentally of locally adaptedspecies,or are interactionsbetweenspecies andifso,aretheymadeup locallyadapted, Are communities University ofEdinburgh Ilkka Kronholm Community interactionsandlocaladaptation temperature. enriched watersandhasa preference for high lightandwater cord fortheUKsofar. re documented is thenorthern-most Scotland, and Motherwell, was recordedon a recent macrophytesurveyof Strathclyde loch, several sitesinDumfriesandGalloway, Scotland. throughout EnglandandWales, andhasbeenreportedfrom over thepasttwodecades distributed alga. Ithasbecomewidely reticulatum Hydrodictyon Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agency (SEPA) Alison McManus, Thomas Coy& record intheUK Hydrodictyon reticulatum pollution. by impacted minimally and status quality water high of indicative logical benchmark, supporting anof assemblage diatomspecies the upper catchment, Wolfclyde was identified as a potential eco communities intheRiverClyde, overthe10yearperiod.From contamination explainedthe observed shifts in the benthic diatom metal heavy and of eutrophication gradients pollution Underlying impacted byhistoricchromiumwaste. a smallsub-assemblage downstream to Tidal Weir where sites, and at themajorityofsampling tive ofmildeutrophication ula gregaria minutissimum upstream communityat Wolfclyde (indicatedby along theRiverClyde from the composition in diatomspecies from 1999 to shift 2008. Multivariateanalysesrevealedanecological quality, water river the affecting pressures environmental the main and forassessing from source-to-sea Clyde of theRiver toms were usedstatus as ameansofecological characterising set by theWater Framework Directive.In this study, benthic dia waters, status ofEUinland atleastgoodecological of achieving threat of international significance given the stringent 2015 target recovery.logical environmental is awidespread Eutrophication bio encouraged and quality water improved have measures trol remnant industry, and disposal sewage con legislative though Clyde. The riverhassufferedhistory from pollution alengthy charging intothe Clyde Estuary and eventuallyto the Firth of flowing Scotland, in watercourse major towns andtheCityofGlasgow,Lanarkshire through beforedis a is Clyde River The Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agency (SEPA) Pauline Lang& River Clyde,Scotland Environmental driversofbenthicdiatomcommunitiesinthe their abilitytoresistinvasion,orboth. terms oftheabilitytothriveatparticularCO2levels,in , Navicula lanceolata Navicula ), to adiverseassemblageco-dominatedby , HeidiKuehne&SineadCollins Jan Krokowski Hydrodictyon is a fast-spreading nuisance green nuisance isafast-spreading –mostnortherlydocumented and Jan Krokowski Tabulariafasciculata is associatedwithnutrient- Navicula tripunctata Navicula Achnanthidium H. reticulatum denoted indica Navic ------

BPS Winter Meeting 2012 duce guidelines for future lake management regarding potential climatic alterations. Population study of Gracilaria tenuistipitata (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) based on microsatellite markers from chloro- plast genome Heterotrophic grazing by toxic and non-toxic strains of the Sze-Looi Song1, 2, Phaik-Eem Lim1, 2, Siew-Moi Phang1, Weng- harmful dinoflagellateAlexandrium tamarense with applica- Wah Lee3, Dang Diem Hong4 & Anchana Prathep5 tion to Scottish Waters 1Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya; 2Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya; Ruth F. Paterson; K. Davidson & C. Campbell 3ACGT Laboratories; 4Algal Biotechnology Department, Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnamese Academy of Science and Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Insti- Technology (VAST); 5Seaweed and Seagrass Research Unit, tute Centre for Biodiversity of Peninsular Thailand A large number of dinoflagellates are widely assumed to be ob- G. tenuistipitata is becoming commercially important as it has ligate phototrophs, although recently many species have been high growth rate, tolerance to wide range of environments as well shown to be capable of mixotrophy. Alexandrium tamarense, as high agar yield. It is cultivated intensively in China for produc- which has both toxic and non-toxic strains, is a suspected mix- tion of agar and fodder for abalone. In Vietnam and Thailand, this otroph. The toxicity of this species highlights the importance of species is cultured in a small-scale. Microsatellite markers were monitoring, and the presence of the non-toxic strains highlights developed from the chloroplast genome of G. tenuistipitata var. the importance of ecophysiological research – recently the tox- liui deposited at the National Centre for Biotechnology Informa- ic strain has been shown to out-compete the non-toxic strain tion (NCBI) database. The developed microsatellite markers were when cultured together. Mixotrophy could provide the necessary used for population study on G. tenuistipitata from six different mechanism for the increased growth of the non-toxic strain. This localities; four were from Peninsular of Malaysia, one was from study aimed to determine whether heterotrophic grazing by A. Thailand and the other was from Vietnam. Eighty G. tenuistipitata tamarense was possible. Traditional incubations with 10μm fluo- specimens were analysed using the three developed SSR prim- rescently labelled latex beads and FLAs (fluorescently labelled ers for PCR amplification. One primer pair gave significant results algae) were carried out over various time intervals. Observed that can separate the G. tenuistipitata species according to locali- fluorescent inclusions within the cells were stained with acridine ties based on the variation in repeated nucleotides. The UPGMA orange to highlight the identity of the structures. It was found that dendrogram analysis revealed three main clades: (i) specimens inclusion counts increased with time for both toxic and non-toxic from west coast of Peninsular Malaysia: Kuala Selangor, Penang strains; however, inclusion rates were higher for the toxic strains. and Pulau Langkawi (ii) specimen from east coast of Peninsular The problem of assessing whether these structures occurred Malaysia: Kelantan and (iii) specimens from Thailand and Viet- within the cells as part of their structure or represented true in- nam. This suggested that the order of clustering was in accor- gestion was not conclusively resolved. Nevertheless, significant dance to the geographical distribution. The correct identification evidence (both numerical and photographic data) exists to sug- of G. tenuistipitata strains with good economic traits is important gest cell feeding by this species. Further incubation experiments to facilitate the cultivation of seaweeds. need to be conducted, using different stains and potentially a flow cytometric method, because it is important to assess the tro- phic ecology of the species. Predictions can then be made about The effects of climate change on freshwater planktonic food bloom lengths and times of year to protect interests in the shell- webs in Cardiff Bay fish aquaculture industry and safeguard human health.

Sarah Moore Cardiff University Assessment of the genus Lithophyllum in the Atlantic Ibe- Climate change is a severe threat to ecosystems worldwide. How- rian Peninsula: an ongoing research project supported by ever, in comparison to marine environments, studies concerning the British Phycological Society freshwater responses are limited, and results published are large- 1, 2 1 1 1 ly site or ecosystem specific, allowing only possible modelled pa- Viviana Peña , I. Bárbara , R. Barreiro , C. Pardo , O. De Cler- 3 2 rameters to be transferred generically. This project will study the ck & L. Le Gall effects of climate change on the newly formed (2001) and actively 1 2 managed freshwater lake of Cardiff Bay, South Wales. This eco- BIOCOST Research Group, Universidade da Coruña; Mu- 3 system is eutrophic and is host to the invasive, non-native zebra séum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), France; Phycology mussel Dreissena polymorpha. The investigation will focus on the Research Group, Ghent University freshwater planktonic food web and responses of the lakes’ oxy- gen dynamics in relation to climate change and invasive species The genus Lithophyllum Philippi encompasses a broad range of population dynamics. The study will comprise of three phases. non-geniculate crustose and unattached species that contribute Initial analysis of historic data taken within Cardiff Bay will be to the extent and appearance of coralline cover throughout the performed, including lake chemistry, meteorological data, and littoral zone. Nine Lithophyllum species are cited from northern species records. The analysis of these data will provide the cur- European coasts (Britain, Ireland and France): L. byssoides, L. rent seasonal fluctuations within the system to be identified and crouaniorum, L. dentatum, L. duckerae, L. fasciculatum, L. hi- chemical extremes to be noted. Cardiff Bay will then be spatially bernicum, L. incrustans, L. nitorum and L. orbiculatum. From the surveyed over the next two years, allowing the present ecologi- Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, however, only four species were re- cal and chemical state of the ecosystem to be determined. Me- ported: L. incrustans, L. byssoides, and more scarcely L. orbicu- socosms (computer controlled environmental cabinets at Cardiff latum (one record in NW Spain) and L. vickersiae (one record University) will be used to simulate predicted changes in the lake in Portugal). Given the poor knowledge of non-geniculate coral- (e.g. enhanced temperature, CO etc.). These will imitate chang- line algae diversity in the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, we launched 2 a research project focusing on diversity and distribution of the es in temperature / CO2 predicted by the IPCC report; aeration levels following the aeration system used in Cardiff Bay; situa- genus Lithophyllum. This ongoing project was awarded by the tions where invasive species are present and absent; and nutrient BPS small grant scheme (2011-2012). Along the study area (from dynamics. The results from these simulations will be used to pro- Basque Country to Portugal),12 localities were sampled, mostly 27 28 The Phycologist no. 83 strains ofthegreenalga A/UV B:PARratio onvarious active radiation) (photosynthetic We theeffect investigated UV enhanced ofanexperimentally Charles UniversityinPrague,DepartmentofBotany Martina Pichrtová and ultrastructureof The effectofanenhancedUV AB:PAR ratioonpigmentation tion. Secilla, PilarDíazand Alberto Santolariaforfieldworkcollabora Recursos Humanos,2008-2011). We sincerelythank Antonio Ministerio deEducación( (10MMA103003PR). VP acknowledges 09495/BOS (partiallyfoundedby terio deCienciaeInnovación(CTM2010-18787),CGL2009- Lithophyllum inthe Atlantic IberianPeninsula 2011-2012Scheme-Project Award Financial support:BritishPhycologicalSociety(SmallGrant rian florawithadjacentregions. of the relationships and phylogenetic biogeographic Atlantic Ibe the regarding information interesting provide will obtained Results gene markers). and phylogenetic (barcode analyses molecular for forthcoming anatomicalexaminationof the specimens and gel silica in preserved were Specimens identification. preliminary asexual conceptaclesweretakenintoaccountforthis uniporate features forthegenus levelorbelowusingastereomicroscope.Diagnostic to genus In thelaboratory,collected. tentatively identifed were specimens also were from theMediterranean (Brittany) and ern localities from north samples projects. Likewise, other currentresearch from theintertidalzone. from were provided collections Additional Department of Botany, Natural History Museum,London Juliet Brodie,Linda M.Irvine, the arrivalandspreadofnon-native seaweeds Capturing thealiens:Using herbariumspecimenstotrack to extremehabitatsatPolarregions. strainscanbe in theinvestigated regardedas an adaptationof life ful effectsof UVirradiation. level enhanced ofan presence Their likely phenolicsthatarestoredinvacuoles,protect against harm tabolites that absorb inthe UV B range. These substances,most me to produce strains wereable that allofthestudied showed UVA/UVB:PARwhich producedanenhanced tubes ratio. The results fluorescence of combination a using by induced was UV The experiments wereconductedinclimatechambersand the is thereforeexpected. to such stress andadaptations algae than e.g.planktonic diation UV ra to higher mats. Insuchhabitatstheyarenaturallyexposed pools oronthesurfaceofwetsoils,whereitcanformmassive marshes, grows inshallow which usually (Zygnematophyceae), alga green filamentous the was object study The UV exposure,especiallyinthechloroplasts. ultrastructre (TEM)after the changes ordamagesinthecellular the Arctic and for possible Antarctic. Furthermore,wescreened strains from in thestudied take place also if suchadaptations UV radiation. against The aimofourstudywastotestbyHPLC as aprotection or phenolics) (e.g. carotenoids ary metabolites layer. Generally, many algaeare able to produce specialsecond withthedepletionof ied inconnection the stratospheric ozone harmful effectsThe potentially have beenstud ofUVirradiation , DanielRemias& Andreas Holzinger Zygnema Lithophyllum Programa NacionaldeMovilidad Zygnema Jane Pottas frompolarregions FEDER) Assessment ofthegenus isolated from Polarregions. isolated such as the presence of suchasthepresence support and XuntadeGalicia &JoWilbraham ), Spain’s Minis bySpain´s Zygnema - sp. ------in theBMcollection. herbaria totemporalandspatialgaps reduce theacknowledged with other and collaboration tion ofsomespeciesintheherbarium to date list of alien seaweed species, verification of the identifica of anup the production origins. Otheraimsoftheprojectinclude their data hasrevealed of molecular such cases,onlytheanalysis costicta seaweed of thered are specimens there example, For flora. natural the of part considered been have they that time peregrina activity The Good,the Badandthe Algae: apublic engagement chemical extractionmethods evaluate thetotallipidsincell. us to differentiate betweenthesetwotypes of lipid structure whilst enables bodies. Electron microscopyandstereology storage lipid as in and as well cell membranes are foundinall Lipids oxylipins. School of Marine Sciences. These knowninfo-chemicalsinclude with the in cooperation stationary growthphases and ponential in ex production and compareitwithlipid production and lipid on The secondaimistoevaluatetheeffect of algalinfo-chemicals haveanimportantroleindiatombiology.algae info-chemicals that reported It hasbeen ageing. statusand fect thereproductive they canaf life cycle.Forexample ferent aspectsofthealgal in relation to its genetic diversity. Algal info-chemicalsaffect dif ent strainsof debate. under species B. braunii of strains diverse the of classification The group. monophyletic a ing the molecular phylogeny, through sequencing 18S rRNA, into by different strains. The three chemical races stains classified us to threedifferentcal racesaccording produced classesoflipids chemi three into initially classified the Trebouxiophyceae.is of It cus braunii reported toaccumulateup86%dryweightas therefore theyareattractingalotofinterest. and production, source ofbiofuel are apotential Microalgae ence and Technology, NewcastleUniversity 1 Alanoud Rawdhan production in the effectofinfo-chemicalsinoptimizingbiomassandoil sessing cellulardiversityinthegenus Microscopic studiesofmicroalgaeinmassculture: As rapidly over a wide area (e.g. area a wide over rapidly ( ited distribution tion ( at orneartheirpointofintroduc have remained some arrivals flora. alien the study to which with resource represents aconsiderable specimens, theherbarium seaweeds. Withover60,000Britishseaweed tion ofthesealien distribu spatial and temporal subsequent and arrival the chart (BM) to herbarium cords fromtheNaturalHistoryMuseumalgal Information Portal Species The GBNon-native category. Biological As partoftheMarine Association’s project, this into fall flora seaweed British the of species) (40+ 6% least estimate thatat and wecurrently recognised since been have aroused publicattention. An numberof increasing alienspecies alga of thebrown rival known to be naturalisedinBritainbutit was thereportof the ar hamifera Bonnemaisonia E.M. Holmes publishedanotein1897ontheredseaweed School ofBiology, NewcastleUniversity; Dunaliella salina salina Dunaliella e.g. dating back to the beginning of the nineteenth century.of thenineteenth datingbacktothebeginning In

). Pikea californica intoasinglespecies,threeorseveralsub- belongs to chlorophyta (green algae)andisamember to chlorophyta belongs Some species have been in the flora for such a long a such for flora the in been have species Some B. braunii Nannaochloropsis e.g. 1 , G.Beakes

Solieria chordalis Solieria and Sargassum muticum Sargassum One aim of this study is to compare differOne aimofthisstudyistocompare to assess its morphological biodiversity toassessitsmorphological Nannochlorops oculata Nannochlorops as the first species of marine alga of marine species first the as ), others have spread but havealim ), othershavespread Sargassum muticum Sargassum 1 , G.Caldwell and Results so far indicate that indicate far so Results ) andothershavespread Dunaliella Botryococcus 2 School ofMarineSci in Britain in 1973 that in 1973 inBritain Botryococcus braunii 2 &R. Taylor , we are using re , weareusing

lipids. cellstructure Porphyra leu Porphyra , Colpomenia Botryococ and 2 ------

BPS Winter Meeting 2012 James Redfern1, Joanna Verran1, Peter Gilroy1 & Dariel Bur- Harmful or nuisance algal blooms can cause economic damage dass2 to fisheries and tourism. Also, toxins produced by harmful algae and ingested via contaminated shellfish can be potentially fatal to 1Manchester Metropolitan University; 2SGM humans. Therefore monitoring programs are a necessity. How- ever, the effectiveness of monitoring these harmful algae can be Science festivals and similar events provide excellent opportuni- difficult. It is time consuming and cell morphology as determined ties for the public to engage with ‘hands-on’ microbiology. How- by light microscopy may be insufficient to give definitive species ever, in addition to safety concerns, many microorganisms can be and toxin attribution. The goal of the EU FP7 project MIDTAL difficult to visualize without appropriate equipment. Algae are safe (microarrays for the detection of toxic algae) is to achieve rapid to handle, relatively large and sufficiently different in appearance species identification using rRNA genes as the targets on a mi- to enable viewing under a microscope with little technical ability. croarray chip format. In the project existing rRNA probes for toxic As part of the 2011 National Science and Engineering Week a algal species/strains have been adapted and optimized for micro- public engagement event, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Algae’ array use. The second generation of the array was used to test was delivered in MMU’s microbiology laboratory. After an intro- for the presence of toxic species in the Orkney Islands, an area duction to the importance and diversity of algae, participants were of the UK with a phytoplankton community in which a number of asked to identify algae present in a sample using an identifica- nuisance and toxic species have been found previously. These tion key, which had been developed for use in schools, as part of were compared with light microscopy cell counts in order to test a research project. The event provided an excellent opportunity the sensitivity and specificity of the microarray. Both the chip and to trial the key with a non-scientist audience. The feedback was counts were used to look at the seasonal dynamics of harmful overwhelmingly positive. People of all ages were able to use the species over the course of the year. Overall a good agreement key to correctly identify the algal species. Feedback enabled mi- was found between the microarray and counts with the microar- nor modifications to the key, and provided useful additional evalu- ray proving to be more sensitive in some months. Toxic Pseudo- ation of the resource. nitzschia species were more prevalent in the early spring to mid- summer months whereas toxic dinoflagellate species such as Alexandrium tamarense and Dinophysis acuta were much more prevalent during the late spring to summer months when primary The development of algae: A practical resource for schools production was higher. This study shows that the MIDTAL micro-

1 1 1 array chip is potentially a very effective monitoring technique for James Redfern , Joanna Verran , Peter Gilroy & Dariel Bur- rd 2 field samples. Further development and testing of the 3 genera- dass tion of the chip is currently underway. 1Manchester Metropolitan University; 2SGM

Practical science activity in the classroom is an essential part of science education in secondary schools. Microbiology, the study Recovery of seaweed communities from coal-mining effects of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and on the shores of the Firth of Forth viruses) relies heavily on practical activity in its teaching. As ad- vances in medical microbiology focus the future of the field in Martin Wilkinson, Caitriona Buggle & Sharon Woolsey that direction, it is important not to forget other areas, such as mycology, or phycology. Algae have significant potential for use Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, School of Life in schools, because they are cheap and easy to source and main- Sciences, Heriot-Watt University tain, safe to handle, and exciting to see, being relatively ‘large’, The coal industry has affected the Firth of Forth at several sites morphologically diverse, colourful and often motile. Algae also by minewater discharge from abandoned mines and by intertidal have many key functions in the world around us, and therefore dumping of minestone. Minewater particularly polluted the tribu- it is possible to link algae with many aspects of a teaching spec- tary estuary of the Keithing Burn for three decades until about ification. ‘Algae: a practical resource for schools’ is a new 64- 2002. For the last ten years there has been a water quality im- page colour educational resource aimed at key stage 3 and 4. provement consequent upon filtration of the Acid Mine Drainage The booklet contains background information on algae and five (AMD) water at source. Despite this there has not been a change practical activities (identifying algae using a microscope, inves- in the communities of attached macroalgae. It seems that the tigating phototaxis, demonstrating bioluminescence, eutrophica- community which flourished in mats of ferruginous solids depos- tion and gas cycling in microorganisms) accompanied by guides ited from the waste in past times was a species-poor community for teachers, students and technicians, copies of an algal identi- tolerant to stressful estuarine conditions. The estuarine condi- fication key, and a poster conveying ‘fascinating facts about al- tions remain after removal of the AMD from the estuary and the gae’. The booklet has undergone extensive formative evaluation algal community has not changed. This supports the idea that the in preparation for the launch, including trials with students and upper estuarine mat-forming seaweed community is so adapted teachers in and out of the classroom environment. The Society to stress that it cannot be used by its composition as a pollution for General Microbiology (SGM) will publish and distribute the indicator. By contrast, on an otherwise species rich open coast resource, launching it at the Association for Science Education shore at St. Monans in the outer Firth, a 200 year old discharge meeting in January 2012. Upon its launch the resource will be of AMD does have major effects on the upper shore community. distributed free of charge to over 750 SGM school members, and The dumping of spoil was practised at three sites on the north will undergo an extensive summative evaluation up to 12 months bank of the mid-Firth until the 1970s. Since then the shores have after its release. been modified by natural erosion of dumped material. Long-term studies of the seaweed recovery of the shore are hampered by lack of species lists from the pre-mining era. Nonetheless, regular Preliminary results of testing of the MIDTAL microarray chip surveys since the 1970s show that there is gradual recovery of to monitor harmful algae species in the Orkney Islands, UK the seaweed community, but it is a slow process, and this part of the Firth of Forth remains more species-poor than would be Joe Taylor1, Jane Lewis1, Linda Percy1, Marco Berzano1 & Linda expected from its physical situation. K. Medlin2

1School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster; 2Marine Biological Association of UK 29 30 The Phycologist no. 83 presented. were ableto survive to a greater or lesser degreeinallconditions the desk study conclusions even though all tions thatsuchconditions. involve situa These resultsgivesupportto estuarine in explants field the in better perform they and gimes involving widely fluctuating salinities soon after fertilisation, than thoseof Fucus ceranoides that suggest results the summary, In field. the in situations rine regimes inthelaboratoryandwhenexplantedtodifferent estua of estuarine on newlyfertilisedzygotes investigations describes experimental F. ceranoides tolerances, oftenusingadultplants, does not really explainwhy tuary.work on experimental published Previously the presence of certain fucoidspeciesindifferent types of es solids, andhenceturbidity, ofsuspended the level thatfavoured of salinityoveratidalcycleand ral factorssuchasthevariability dicated that there were statistically significant differences in natu than otherfucoids,thedeskstudyalsoin some formsofpollution While over 100 estuaries indicated that the situationwasmorecomplex. desk studyof waters thantheotherfucoidsbutadetailed cleaner tially led to a false conclusionthat vesiculosus of British estuaries,withtheremainderdominatedmainlyby about 2/3 fucoid, onlydominatesthemid-reaches brackish-water the seaweedcommunitiesofestuaries. of requirements the the ECWaterhas focussed attentionon FrameworkDirective meet to waters transitional for tools ment assess quality ecological based seaweed for need recent The Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Centre forMarineBiodiversity&Biotechnology, SchoolofLife Callum Wood, HollyBrown& estuary –Furtherexperimentalstudies Why Fucus ceranoides Algal humour... F. ceranoides andafewby Fucus seems to prefer particular estuaries. seemstopreferparticular This poster F. vesiculosus zygotes perform significantly better in culture in better significantly perform zygotes species,whengrownundercomplexsalinity was found to be significantly less tolerant to tolerant less significantly be to found was doesnotdominateeveryBritish F. spiralis or Martin Wilkinson F. spiralis . Subjective observations ini observations . Subjective F. ceranoides Fucus ceranoides when subjectedto re Fucus might indicate species tested Fucus salinity , the F. F. ------tics willbeperformedalongalatitudinalgradientinthenortheast skeletal calcification, growth, characteris and reproductive (Mg:Ca), morphology composition of assessment the for sampling settlement of microalgal epiphytesandendophytes.Seasonal and surfacesforthe species smallinvertebrate ter fornumerous habitat andshel are ‘autogenicecosystemengineers’,providing areas, and rocky temperateandboreal in shallow widespread of pure calcite.Species solubilityincomparisonwithotherforms minerals increased e.g. to such alterationsinseawatercarbonatechemistry, given the calcite (> 4 mol%MgCO of CaCO for the deposition essential the saturationstateofminerals and tions ofseawatercarbonatechemistryincludedecreasesinCO of thiscentury.by theend predicted being altera Concomitant of 0.3-0.5 of 8.18,withfurtherpHdecreases value pre-industrial to the of surfacewaterpHby0.1relative sulted inadecrease re OA has northeastern Atlantic. the in biofilms associated their nus three geniculate (articulated) species of the calcified red algal ge on (OA) acidification ocean of impacts the addresses study This Biological Sciences,BristolUniversity of EarthandOceanSciences,Cardiff University; incubation experiments. future OA projections, willbeassessedvialong-termmesocosm (IPCC) Change Climate on Panel Intergovernmental to biofilms of thethree the responses differences(BM). Inaddition, herbarium ral HistoryMuseum in from theNatu samples with pre-industrial present daymaterial (Mg:Ca) of and skeletalcomposition will bemadeofmorphology along thisgradient.Comparisons adaptation photophysiological potential examine to biofilms epiphytic associated their and gae macroal both to applied be also will oxymetry and fluorometry ern Atlantic fromnorthernSpaintoIceland.Variablechlorophyll Botany Department,NaturalHistoryMuseum,London; ian Yallop Christopher Williamson sociated biofilms genus Ocean acidification:impactoncalcifyingmacroalgaeofthe Corallina Corallina 3 3 . Among marine calcifiers, those that deposit high-Mg deposit that those calcifiers, marine Among . ( C. caespitosa (Corallinales,Rhodophyta)andtheiras 1 , RupertPerkins Corallina 3 Corallina ) are likely to be the first responders first the be to likely are ) , C. elongata deposit high-Mg calcite, are deposithigh-Mg species and their associated and species 2 , JulietBrodie and C. officinalis C. 2 School of 1 2 &Mar School ) and - - 3 2------

BPS Winter Meeting 2012 British Phycological Society 60th Annual General Meeting Newcastle, Friday 6th January 2012

Present profit share from Volume 45 was £47,930.13 (an increase John Bothwell, Paul Brazier, Juliet Brodie, Gary Cald- of approximately £5000 from volume 44). In addition the well, Christine Campbell, Chris Carter, Geoff Codd, Ei- Society has received an advance of £30,000 guaranteed leen Cox, Maeve Edwards, Tim Entwisle, Claire Gachon, income for Volume 46. Production costs of the Journal re- Steffi Gaebler-Schwarz, Naomi Ginnever, Michael Guiry, main low. This is the last report which will be given by Paul Hayes, Sabrina Heiser, Elizabeth Haworth, Da- Michelle as her term of office ends at the end of this year. vid John, Stacy Krueger-Hadfield, Svenja Heesch, Sue Michelle thanked all Council and Society members for Knight, Evelyn Lawrenz, Jane Lewis, Gill Malin, David their co-operation and support during this financial year. Mann, Sara Marsham, Sarah Moore, Jeanine Olsen, Ma- iii) Membership Secretary (Sara Marsham) rie Pažoutová, Rupert Perkins, Siew Moi Phang, Philippe The introduction of PayPal as a payment method has Potin, Jane Pottas, John Raven, Marine Robuchon, Helen been a success with only a few minor problems. Members Rosencranz, Clare Scanlon, Carole Shellcock, Elliot Shu- have the assurance of a secure and instant online transaction bert, Stephen Slocombe, Joe Taylor, Wytze Stam, Michele which is easier and quicker to administer. Clear instructions Stanley, Michael Steinke, Daniel Thornton, Brian Whitton, are provided to help members use PayPal correctly and an Jo Wilbraham, Martin Wilkinson, Chris Williamson automatic alert is sent informing that a payment has been 1. Apologies made. The PayPal account is checked regularly so that ma- Jan Krokowski, Michelle Tobin, Marion Yallop nual updates of the membership database can be made in cases where the procedure has not been followed correctly. 2. Minutes of the 59th Annual General Mee- ting, January 2011 A renewal notice was sent in December via email, on Algae- Accepted L or by letter. Members are reminded that they can check their membership details via the BPS website. The current 3. Matters arising active membership of the society is 477 (359 fully paid up, None 106 paid to end of 2010, and 12 Honorary Life Members) 4. Reports from Officers which overall is down by 4 members from January 2010. i) Secretary (Jane Pottas) Renewal and recruitment rates have decreased in 2011. Normal secretarial duties have been carried out this year. Of the fully paid up members 206 receive the European Enquiries from BPS members, potential members and the Journal of Phycology including 23 of the student members. general public have been answered quickly, often with help Late applications and renewals can cause difficulties with from Council and other BPS members. The procedure to the distribution of EJP but Taylor and Frances are always elect new Council members this year underlined the need extremely helpful in resolving these problems. Mem- to update certain sections of the constitution, emphasized bers who subscribe to the journal are now able to access the importance of members notifying the membership se- all volumes of the EJP from the link on the BPS website cretary/secretary of any changes to their contact details and (http://www.brphycsoc.org/ejp/) which directs them prompted consideration of developing a members’ page on to the Taylor and Francis website. Sara thanked the Trea- the BPS website for voting and canvassing opinions. The surer for her help in processing payments, Michael Guiry, role of Secretary is interesting and stimulating. Thanks were Pier Kuipers and Caoilte Guiry for their continued support. expressed for the support of Council and BPS members. iv) Student Representative (Helen Rosenkranz) ii) Treasurer (Michelle Tobin) There is now a student group on Researchgate called Sara Marsham commented on the report in the absence BPS Students (http://www.researchgate.net/topic/BPSStu- of the Treasurer. dents/) which has 62 followers/members. Since the group This is the eighth Annual Report presented by the cu- was established the website design has changed and the rrent Treasurer. The Society’s financial situation remains calendar function has been deleted, but a Google calendar good and this has allowed the continued support of a wide has been set up which is populated with phycology rela- range of projects. The Scientific Meetings Fund of £25000 ted dates, e.g. workshops and conferences (https://www. allowed the Society to support students with bursaries from google.com/calendar/embed?src=mulemer%40gmx. de&ctz=Europe/London). Engagement of BPS student the interest it receives. The Society supported nine students members is low and they are asked to contact the Student to attend identification courses, workshops and conferences Representative with suggestion about how the group can be and in 2011 two summer studentships were awarded. The improved. BPS members are asked to encourage their stu- small grant/project award received a high number of appli- dents to join up. Sara Marsham was thanked for scheduling cations and eleven awards were made including sponsors- and helping to organise two special sessions for student mem- hip of meetings, research project grants and publications. bers at the Annual Meeting in Newcastle - a lecture on mul- The Journal performed very well financially and the final 31 32 The Phycologist no. 83 The Editorial Board willbereconstituted and details pu culties havebeenencountered becauseofstaff changes. diffi some but journal the publish to continue Francis and Associate Editors and both Editors-in-Chief present. Taylor tional PhycologicalCongressinRhodes2011 withsix national Editorial Boardmeeting took placeattheInterna 2011. Erica Young remainsasEditorial Assistant. inter An logy list of people working inphycology is being investigated. for studentmembers. The possibility of creating a resource tivariate statistics by Steve Juggins and an informal meeting 500 on December 6th. Most visitors are from the UK fo Daily unique visits areusuallylessthan 50buttherewere views in 2011 with an average of 2.77 pages per visit. ber 1st. edition is March1st,andfortheautumn edition is Septem me. The deadline for submissionofarticles for the spring news, andsuggestionsforfuturearticles are alwayswelco items of topical interest, meeting announcements, research sidered -jobadverts,sciencereports,bookreviews, news news, work events etc. All relevant material will be con and areencouraged to keepsendingin phycological views, since 2005.Memberswerethankedfortheircontributions, and postage as typesetting costs have remained unchanged costs whichcan be attributed to increased costs forprinting address details. There is a continued significant increase in and membersareagain advised tocheck and amend their McGowan). There continue to be a small number of returns (spe newsletters cial thanks toDonnaFarren,KirstenKnightand Yvonne the posting in help Currie) Allison by spread. SEPA’s Admin staff inEastKilbride (managed in Stirling,Scotland. The middle pages arenowacolour Ms Agnès Marhadour, andtheprintingbyMonumentPress of JanKrokowski. has also grown to1.897. These areencouraging signs. factor impact five-year journal’s The Sciences. in Marine and FreshwaterEcology and to61/187inPlant increased to1.901and and moreare encouraged.UK In2010theimpact factor quality. Relatively fewsubmissionsarereceived from the of paperssubmitted are rejected because theyareoflow although there was aslight delay with Issue4. Almost 30% issues of Volume 46 were produced approximately on time pers do go on line quite quickly and are paginated and all which iscurrentlytoolong.However, onceaccepted, pa will help to reduce the time from submission to publication tematics. If more Associate Editors can be recruited this sociate Editors are required, particularly in molecular sys have recentlybecome Associate Editorsbutadditional As blished in Issue 47.Hoeren Verbruggen and JohnBothwell The BPSwebsitehad18,000 visitsand550,000page vii) The layoutandtypesetting continue to beprovidedby This report was delivered by Paul Hayes in the absence vi) David Mannassumedthejobof v) (DavidMann) Webmaster (MichaelGuiry) Editor of Editor ofthe The Phycologist EJP European Journal of Phyco of Journal European moveduptherankingsto29/92 EJP Editor-in-Chief in (Jan Krokowski) ------Gill Malin,RupertPerkinsandMichelle Tobin. report for receiving fundingisthatrecipientsarerequiredtowritea amended tomakethisrequirement clearer. A conditionof membership requirement. The formonthe website will be the failureofapplicantstomeet3month cations was appli rejecting for reason main pending).The five made, awards (four projects for nine and made) awards (sixteen bursaries for applications eight twenty awards), received these applications twowereforsummerstudentships(both USA and Pakistan) and twenty three awards were made. Of Czech Republic,France,Greece, in from6countries(UK, disbursed in2011. Thirty nine applications were received the work of the society and approximately £24,000 has been tee (JulietBrodie) chael Guiry or Sara Marsham so they can resolve them. ce problemswithPayPalarerequestedtocontact Mi have largely been resolved. Memberswhodoexperien which PayPal using system payment the with difficulties Journal andtheFundingpages. There havebeensome was theMeetingspagefollowedbyCongresses, ce, India, Japan, Spain and Chile. The most visited page Canada, Germany,llowed bytheUSA, Ireland,Fran Outreach Committee on electronic and meeting/workshop have commencedsion. Discussions with theEducationand absence of a red data book forseaweeds, is under discus is beinginvestigated. Algal conservation,hamperedbythe scheme and massobservation schemes to the BPS website diversity recordingandthe possibility of linkingamapping tion. Detailed discussions havebeenheldaboutalgal bio comple nearing is volume brown second The book). new (except the green volume which hasbeen succeeded by a been outofprintarenowavailable as printondemand ted. The SeaweedsoftheBritishIslesvolumeswhichhave ment of an electronic format is currently being investiga published in 2009, continues to sell well and the develop The Seasearch GuidetoSeaweedsof BritainandIreland, nancial support forcomplete digitisation of thecollection. fi seeking is FBAwhich the at BPS the of views the sent John andJulietBrodie.Davidwillcontinue to repre actions of theB&CCommittee and inparticular to David the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA), thanks to the of algal images isbelieved to haveanassuredfuturewith Collection Fritsch The flora. the from material using mids produced byDavid Williamson showingthecommondes ges of the algae. In addition two A1 size posters have been companying DVD which has bothstill and moving ima will be published in published in October2011. Regular updates to thebook ted byDavidJohn,Brian Whitton and Alan Brook,was recording. The secondedition of the field supporting and identification, with help promoting biodiversity activities through publications to (Martin Wilkinson) The financial support of students is an important part of viii) The committee met twice in 2011 todiscusswaysof ix) Biodiversity andConservationCommittee The Phycologist Student AwardsandTrainingCommit The Phycologist . Juliet thanked the committee of British Freshwater Flora andthere is anac , edi ------approaches to improve the teaching of algae. The B&C 6. Algaebase Foundation (Michael Guiry) Committee has active and dedicated members but would It is proposed to form a charitable foundation for welcome the involvement of BPS members in the statu- AlgaeBase to be registered in Ireland with Wendy tory agencies. On behalf of the BPS the committee recor- and Michael Guiry as founding members. The BPS, ded its appreciation of the energetic involvement of its PSA, IPS and Korean Phycological Society have work by Gill Stephens (Douglas) who sadly died in 2011. agreed to provide financial support of €2000 each. Ju- x) Education and Outreach Committee (John liet Brodie is the BPS representative on the committee. Bothwell) 7. Constitution Changes to the committee following the resignation of A copy of the constitution with the proposed changes Marian Yallop as chair and the recent appointment of John was circulated 2 months prior to the AGM, in accordance Bothwell in this role have meant that the committee has not with the constitution. All changes were approved. Proposed met this year. The committee will convene in early 2012 to by Michael Guiry, seconded by Claire Gachon. The new discuss their remit. version of the constitution is available on the BPS website. Paul Hayes thanked Council members, officers and 8. Council Membership committees for their work. Paul thanked the retiring members of Council, James All reports were accepted: proposed by Gill Malin, se- Metcalf, Marian Yallop and Martin Wilkinson and welco- conded by John Raven. med the new Council members Clare Scanlon and Mar- 5. Federation Reports tyn Kelly elected following a ballot of BPS members. Jane i) Federation of European Phycological So- Pottas will continue as Secretary no other nominations ha- cieties (FEPS) (Geoff Codd) ving been received. A description of the new post of Mee- The Macedonian Phycological Society has been admit- tings Secretary will be circulated and nominations invited. ted to membership of FEPS, increasing the number of Na- Michelle Tobin’s term as Treasurer will end at the end of tional Member Societies to 12, representing 14 European 2012 and nominations are invited for this position also. countries with a total individual membership of 1133. EPC5 9. Future meetings was held in Rhodes in September, attended by about 350 i) 60th Anniversary meeting 2012 (Juliet participants from almost 40 countries. The BPS and other Brodie) National Member Societies were thanked for their sponsor- A 60th Anniversary meeting is planned for September to ship of the Congress. The book of abstracts was published be held at the Natural History Museum, London. Tentative by Taylor & Francis as a supplement of the European Jour- plans for the day include debate, talks and display of archive nal of Phycology (vol. 46, suppl. 1, 2011). Agenda items at material. Students are to be involved in chairing some of the the FEPS Council Meeting and AGM in Rhodes included sessions. A jubilee publication of The Phycologist is planned. a proposal to increase the annual subscription from 1 to 2 ii) Leicester 2013 Euros per member of each National Member Society, FEPS It is proposed to move the annual meeting to the sum- vision and funding strategy and a proposed FEPS reviews mer as of 2013. The venue for the next annual meeting is journal. EPC6 will be held in London in 2015. The London Leicester. Date to be announced. Please note this is now to Local Organising Committee will include representation be held in Belfast. Details are in this issue and also availa- from the Natural History Museum, universities and BPS ble on the BPS website. Council. The Scientific Organising Committee (SOC) for EPC6 will be co-chaired by Dr. Peter Kroth (Germany) and iii) 2014 Dr. Olivier De Clerk (Belgium). The FEPS Website is ma- It is proposed to hold the annual meeting in Galway in 2014. naged by Michael Guiry (http://www.feps-algae.eu/ cms/). All National Member Societies have been asked to 10. Hilda Canter Lund Prize (Martyn Kelly) produce a 1-page summary of their Society for the website. There were over 50 entries, although few from the UK, The next FEPS Council Meeting will be held during the and the shortlisted entries were on display in the Great Nor- Annual Meeting of the Polish Phycological Society (May th Museum during the BPS Winter Meeting and afterwards 17-20, 2012) at the University of Olsztyn, Poland. until the end of February. QR codes on each photograph enabled i-phone users to access additional information. ii) Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) (Paul Hayes) Twenty two of the photographs have been packaged as a The BPS is a full member of FEMS and BPS mem- travelling exhibition and venues are being sought during bers are eligible to apply for research fellowships, visiting the 60th anniversary year. Michael Guiry was thanked scientist grants, young scientist meeting grants and support for his help in putting the photographs on the BPS web- for organizing meetings. site. Paul thanked Martyn for organising the competition. iii) Society of Biology (SB) (Paul Hayes) 11. Any other business The BPS is a full member of SB and as such is entit- i) BPS Archives – members are asked to contact led to all Society benefits. The possibility of establishing the Secretary with information about any archive material. a closer working relationship between the SB in terms of The meeting ended at 5.45pm. education and outreach is to be explored.

33 34 The Phycologist no. 83 à Rimouski) led two discussion and microscope sessions microscope and discussion two led Rimouski) à Québec du (Université Rochon André and University) ki (Nagasa Matsuoka Kazumi University), (Brock Head tin isolation and molecular typing’. Stijn de Schepper, Mar single-cell using stages lifecycle dinoflagellate ‘Linking session based laboratory hand-on a led Tasmania) of sity and discussresearchmethods.ChristopherBolch(Univer session followedbytalksandalarge numberofposters. each for theme the set Mer) sur Banyuls Curie, Marie and Environment Institute), Linda Medlin (University of Pierre versité Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris), Anke Kremp (Finnish de Schepper (University of Bergen), Edwige Masure (Uni and Stratigraphy and Evolution. Keynote talks from Stijn Change, Ecology/Palaeoecology, Life cycles and diversity with the four major sessions comprising, Environmental ciplinary working. This spirit was evident in Liverpool other andtodiscusstheirscienceprogressinterdis noflagellates in common, come together to learn from each The desirewasthattwocommunities of workers,withdi dinoflagellates. living and fossil to conference Penrose‘ 1978 when William R Evitt proposed thededication of a in began series conference The dinoflagellates. in terests brought together120delegates withdiverseresearchin verpool in late summer 2011. The week-long conference Li of University the at held was Dinoflagellates Modern Student BursaryAwardReport The Ninth International Conference on Fossiland Four workshopsweredesigned to disseminate skills Ninth InternationalConferenceonModernand University ofLiverpool.28thAugust–2ndSeptember2011 Fossil Dinoflagellates ------wr t Rb esm (elgcl uvy f Canada). of Survey (Geological Fensome Rob to award tition (won by Sílvia Anglès) and the lifetime achievement yzer & Eric Potvin), the prizes for the photographic compe (Audrey Limoges & Mirja Hoins) and talks (Stefanie Deke cluded by presentation of awardsforthebeststudentposters and ConsequencesforMankind’. con The conferencewas lating PublicLecture examining ‘Climate Change: Impacts tional Nature Reserve. Prof. ChrisReid delivered a stimu conference dinner andahalf day excursion to Ainsdale Na program, including a geological walk around Liverpool, functions’. were extremely All fourworkshopspopular. phy: towardsquantitative reconstructions usingtransfer assemblages asproxyinlate Cenozoic paleoceanogra ‘Dinocyst examined Montréal) à Québec du (Université de Vernal Anne by led workshop based computer final A brought delegates their own material for examination by other delegates. of number A processes)’. without or and Neogene dinocyst’ and ‘Round BrownCysts(with examining taxonomic issues surrounding‘Quaternary tion and will be published as a result of the conference. prepara under is Dinoflagellates’ of Perspectives logical A TMS specialpublication entitled ‘Biological and Geo their tireless efforts towardsthissuccessfulconference. for organisers local and committee scientific ternational ters andprojectsbeingdiscussedwithotherdelegates. pos talks, their having from benefited whom of all dance, no doubt contributed to the number of students in atten registration fees forstudentstoberelatively low. This versities ofLiverpooland Westminster whichallowed logical Society, Petrostrat,Beta Analytic andtheUni the BritishPhycological Society, The Micropalaeonto ber ofcompanies,institutions and societiesincluding a largefrom anum numberofstudents. Sponsorship of Liverpool)&JaneLewis(University of Complementing the scientific program was a busy social The conference organisers wouldliketothankthein The conference was particularly well attended by Lee Bradley,FabienneMarret(University Westminster) ------Student Bursary Award Report Report for Introductory Course on Freshwater Algal Identification (1 - 6 July 2012)

As a PhD student studying freshwater planktonic food webs at Cardiff University, accurate algal identification is a large part of my work. To ensure I was competent and confident in identifying freshwater plankton I attended an introductory course ran by Professor Brian Whitton (Dur- ham University) and Professor David John (National His- tory Museum, London) on freshwater algal identification. The six-day course was held in the beautiful city of Durham and each day was packed with lectures and prac- tical sessions. Lectures covered algal identification pro- cedures, the effective use of identification books, and preservation techniques. The practical sessions introdu- ced us to cyanobacteria and blooms, green algae, flage- llates and yellow-green algae, red algae, stoneworts, and terrestrial algae; all rounded off with a slide show quiz! Despite bad weather towards the end of the week we also managed to go on two field trips, the first to Cassop Vale Nature Reserve to study sampling techniques and co- llect material, and the second a tour of the River Wear. During the week additional lectures and practical ses- sions were held by Dr Alan Donaldson on microscope set up, and interactive identification software and keys, Dr Gordon Beakes (University of Newcastle) on microscopy techniques, and Dr Martyn Kelly (Bowburn Consultants) on the taxonomy of diatoms and identification techniques. A selection of individuals from the Environment Agen- cy, UK Water companies and overseas Universities atten- ded the course and by the end we were all able to iden- tify several algal genera and understand the ecology of each of them. The course was interesting and educatio- nal, and will allow me to progress with my PhD studies.

Sarah Lee (nee Moore), Postgraduate Re- searcher, School of Earth and Ocean Scien- ces, Cardiff University, Cardiff 35 36 The Phycologist no. 83 Student BursaryAwardReport Algal Biotechnology–APCAB2012 8th Asia-PacificConferenceon ting and thorough presentation in their respective fields. respective their in presentation thorough and ting ting thesessioneveryday, whichgaveaveryinteres There werethreedistinguishedkeynotespeakersstar biorefinery. and cultivation genomics, Algal on sections cept, being of great interest for my own research the Con Biorefinery Algae finally and Biodiversity, gy-and Wastewater Treatment,Microalgae, Taxonomy-Ecolo Genomics andProteomics, Algae Culture, Algae and re andFeeds,SeaweedCultivation and Products, Algal Environment, AlgalAquacultu the and of Algae,Algae in which algae seem to offer averypromising alternative. nagement to discuss current progress and new challenges re, biorefinery, taxonomy, ecology and environmental ma micro-algae cultivation, algal genomics, algal aquacultu and macro of fields the in researchers young and experts tralia, from the9-12July. This conference brings together in Adelaide, time Aus this held was region, Asia-Pacific place every three year in a different country belonging to the tendance to suchanimportant and relevant conference. the British Phycological Society for supporting my at various backgroundsandorigins.Iamverygratefulto phycologists and networking with many researchers from ding thisconference allowed me to interact with leading the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Atten of chloroplast the in protein fluorescent novel a of sion ter withtheresultsofmyongoingworkonexpres The main sections considered were Industrialisation The 8th versionofthe APCAB conference, which takes . Additionally, Ihadtheopportunitytopresentapos Stephanie BraunGalleani,PhDstudent, Biochemical Engineering,University College London,UnitedKingdom [email protected] ------Asterosiphon dichotomus (Kützing) Rieth: a new record of an edaphic xanthophyte for the British Isles

colourless rhizoids and grew below the mud surface. One of the features of Asterosiphon is its ellipsoidal akinetes, about 45–50 μm in diameter and 80–95 μm in length, with these forming distinctive rows towards the ends of the fi- laments. The spherical aplanospores develop within swo- llen cells and are released singly or in masses. Most apla- nospores are thick-walled and darkly coloured, although some are thin-walled and show amoeboid movement. Asterosiphon was recognized in 1940 by Pierre Dan- geard, but it was two years later that he published a formal diagnosis with Asterosiphon terrestre the type species. The first comprehensive culture investigation was carried out by Rieth in 1962 who observed several stages not recor- ded hitherto. He also recognized that Asterosiphon terres- tre P. Dangeard was identical to the much earlier Proto- nema dichotomum Kützing and therefore created the new combination Asterosiphon dichotomus (Kützing) Rieth. It probably is cosmopolitan since known from Europe (Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland) as well as from Asia, North Africa and Ar- gentina in South America (see Cambra-Sánchez, 2010). Asterosiphon dichotomus is the third xanthophyte to be discovered in the British Isles since publication of the first edition of ‘The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles’ (John et al. 2002), but was too late to be included in the se- cond edition (published October, 2011). For further infor- mation on this taxon, see the abstract for the poster presen- ted at the January 2012 meeting of the British Phycological Society (see this edition) and AlgaeBase (www.algaeba- se.org) for a selection of colour images and an anaglyph. The annually exposed margin or ‘drawdown’ zone of a reservoir can act as a magnet for bryologists who might References spend hours crawling on mud in search of small and often Cambra-Sánchez, J. 2010. Asterosiphon dichotomus (Kützing) Rieth seasonally developed mosses and liverworts. Thus it was (Vaucheriales, Ochrophyta, Xanthophyceae) in sub-arid agricultural that the bryologist Rachel Carter discovered an unusual soils of Catalonia (Spain). Gayana Bot. 67(1): 141-144. looking alga along the exposed muddy margin of a reser- Dangeard, P. 1940. Sur la pretendue reproduction des Vaucheria par des voir in Northamptonshire known as Pitsford Water. It for- acinetes et des spores amiboides et sur la nouveau genre Asterosi- med small, green rosettes of filaments growing in among phon. Comptes Rendus Academie Sciences 210: 719-721. patches of the liverwort Riccia cavernosa and the xantho- Dangeard, P. 1942. Le nouveau genre Asterosiphon et sa place systema- tique. Le Botaniste 31 (1): 271-293. phytes Botrydium granulatum and Vaucheria (principally V. sessilis). The spread of these colonies was followed for a John, D.M., Whitton, B.A. & Brook, A.J. (eds) 2002, 2011. The Fres- hwater Algal Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, few weeks in late summer 2011 during which time various Cambridge. life history stages were observed. Some colonies were co- Rieth, A. 1962. Über Gongrosira dichotoma Kutz. und Asterosiphon llected for further study before the drawdown became inun- Dang. I. Gibt es ein “Gongrosira-Stadium” bei Vaucheria? Limno- dated once more or covered by dense seasonal vegetation. logica 1: 197-210. The alga from Pitsford Water was Asterosiphon di- chotomus (Vaucheriales, Ochrophyta, Xanthophyceae), Christopher F. Carter, 6 Church View, a new record for the British Isles. Its green, cushion-like Wootton, Northampton NN4 7LJ (chris. rosettes were 5– 20 mm across and consisted of radially [email protected]) and arranged, dichotomously branched, coenocytic filaments David M. John, Department of Botany, 40–50 μm in diameter. These rosettes were attached by Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD ([email protected]) 37 38 The Phycologist no. 83 site forthepast fewyears.Itisunclear exactly how recent this at blooms of aware were rangers but alga, the tified ture nets. Thus, small nets occur alongside larger ones. nets, withdaughternetsforming withinthecellsofma yon as confirmed and microscopically examined later was it eye, naked the with field the in it identify to mud. All proved tobe mostly from the shallow edge, but also some stranded on sible bloom.Icollected samples from all around theloch, southern end. The mainareaofthelochwasclearvi a fringe around the edges and a dense bloom around the covered the surface of thenorthernendof loch, formed bloom (NTS). National The TrustScotland the for by ned loch lies within the policies of FyvieCastle, which isow in The Aberdeenshire. 390) 767 (NJ Fyvie of Loch the in (SEPA).Agency Protection Environment Scottish the by Hydrodictyon in Strathclyde Loch as part of monitoring discovered (2012) McManus 2011 In 1998). (John, tem of England. It has been recorded in the Tweed river sys the south,butwithafewoccurrencesinnorth-east lowlands…”. The NBN showsit occurring mainly in ral localities in DumfriesandGallowaytheScottish throughout England,partsof known Wales andseve widely distributed over thepasttwodecades and now “Probably cosmopolitan, apparently becoming more tish Isles UK. The recent ‘ considered tohaveafairlysoutherlydistributioninthe The NTSRangerService didn’t appeartohaveiden In August thisyearIcame across astrikingalgal bloom The ‘water-net’, . It’s averyattractive alga, forming three-dimensional (d. on t l 21) ecie i a being as it describes 2011) al, et John (Eds. ’ Hydrodictyon reticulatum Freshwater Algal Flora of the Bri Hydrodictyon reticulatum Hydrodictyon . While it waspossible Hydrodict , has been ------Whitton,B. 2000. Increases in nuisance macro-algae in rivers: a review. McManus, A. 2012Online. The mostnortherlydocumented record of 2011. (Eds) A.J.Brook & B.A.Whitton D.M., John, John, D.M.,G.E.Douglas,S.J.Brooks,G.C.Jones,J.Ellaway & Don. R. the on location the for (SEPA) Guthrie bin would beinteresting to knowitscurrent distribution. it and 2000), Whitton, (e.g. alga nuisance potential a is be muchmorewidespreadthanpreviouslythought. This variety ofwaterfowl.It’s possibletoothatthealgacould be transfer by birds–the loch is visited regularly by a when orhowitspreadsofarnorth.Onepossibility could probably several years ago. We have no information on comm.), pers. (R.Guthrie, 163) 799 (NJ Kintore at Don ding of fin undocumented an SEPAup among turned colleagues use ofstrawbales as a possible control measure. Inquiries an introduction it is. They are currently considering the Verh. Internat. The GlasgowNaturalist the green algal Flora oftheBritishIsles 537-545. les: their cause, seasonality and impact. Biologia, Bratislava, 53/4, Is British the in lake coastal as in Chlorophyta) (Chlorococcales, S.Rundle 1998.Bloomsofthewaternet My thankstoDaveJohnforinformation and Ro Hydrodictyon –wherenext? Verein.Limnol. Hydrodictyon reticulatum [email protected] slightlyfurthersouthintheRiver , 25/4, 2ndEdition,CUP 27,1257-1259. Acknowledgements Hydrodictyon reticulatum wtrnt i te UK. the in (water-net) Clare Scanlan References The Freshwater - - -

BRITISH ISLES FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA MATTERS CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS The second edition of The Freshwater Algal Flo- captions should read Draparnaldia mutabilis (Roth) Bory ra of the British Isles (D.M. John, B.A. Whitton & A.J. St Vincent. Brook, eds) was published in October 2011. Listed below First image on Chara contraria index is of Chara aspera are some errors in the text and the accompanying DVD. We have also added some information (including rele- Additional Taxa vant references) overlooked at the time or published sub- sequently. Further information, such as new taxa and no- Asterosiphon dichotomus (Kützing) Reith 1962 menclatural revisions will be published regularly in The Coded number 10290010 Phycologist. p. 319 Keys. The genus Asterosiphon keys out with Vau- We would be grateful to learn of other errors, omissions cheria (couplet 7) and is distinguished from it by having and important new records. Anyone requiring a PDF with dichotomously branched filaments and often series of the present list of errors and additions should contact one ellipsoid akinetes in the upper branches. For further infor- of the editors. We can also send a file listing new records mation, see article and poster abstract by Carter & John along with nomenclatural and coded number changes yet (BPS winter meeting) published in this issue of The Phy- to be included in the file downloadable from the Centre for cologist. Ecology and Hydrology website (http://science.ceh.ac.uk/ data/dict/algae/). Komphovoron hindakii Hašler et Poulíčková 2010. Hašler and Poulíčková (2010) mention this species from Ellesme- Text re, Malham Tarn, Blandford Pond and Loch Leven. Other p. 133, Plate 28G-J and I. Mention of p. 96 should be p. UK lakes sampled are shown in a figure, but K. constric- 126 in both cases. tum is the only other Komphovoron species mentioned and was in Ellesmere. This genus is not described in the Flora. p. 280, column 2, lines 26-29. Details under Prymnesium parvum concerning Strathclyde Loch and fish mortalities in Scotland are incorrect and the information should be un- Koliella tatrae (Kol) Hindák 1968 der Chrysochromulina parva (p. 279). Coded number 25030040 p. 306, column 1, last line under Bitrichia longispina. New species recorded by Allan Pentecost (2011) who co- ‘Oute’ should read Outer. llected it on 20 August 2010 ‘from a snow patch on Cair- p. 334, line 20. T. affine should be T. minus ngorm known as Cuidhe Crom on the head wall of Coire p. 334, line 21. T. minus should be T. affine Cas [NJ002042] about 250 m NW of Cairngorm summit at an altitude of 1010 m’ and mentions ‘a few cells were sub- p. 373, column 2, line 39, p. 529 should read p. 435 sequently observed on a winter snow patch on the slopes p. 466, column 1, line 18, p. 342 should read p. 433 of High Street in Cumbria in February 2011’. Accompan- p. 530, 549, Plate 2F. Draparnaldia glomerata (Vaucher) ying this snow alga was a Chromulina which resembled C. C. Agardh 1824 should be Draparnaldia mutabilis (Roth) sphaeridia Schiller although had smaller dimensions. Bory St Vincent 1808; the former is a synonym of D. mu- p. 538. Koliella tatrae differs from the other three Koliella tabilis. species recorded from the British Isles by its greater cell p. 530. Penultimate line should read ‘24130020 (now in- curvature (p. 544, fig. 1a-e) and smaller dimensions (cells cludes former 24130010)’ 1.5-2 μm in diameter, 20-35 μm in length). p. 536. Plate 133, fig. I. Caption transposed, ‘a’ should be ‘b’ New Records p. 538. Koliella spirotaenia – Coded number 25030030 Pediastrum privum: recorded by Lang et al. (2012) from needs adding Loch Kinord, a small kettle lake in Aberdeenshire, Scot- land (NO 44150 99388). DVD Cyanobacteria Hydrodictyon reticulatum: recorded by McManus (2012) All mentions of Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi (Usaćev ex from Loch Strathclyde, Strathclyde Country Park, Proškina-Lavrenko) Rajeniemi et al. in the index and ima- Motherwell (NS 73290 56980) who mentions ‘undocu- ge captions should read Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Ralfs mented reports of the species as far north as Aberdeen- except for first image on 3rd line of the index. The Coded shire. There are also anecdotal records of the species in number for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is 01040020. Castle Semple Loch, Renfrewshire’. Chlorophyta Draparnaldia mutabilis (Roth) Cedergren in the image 39 40 The Phycologist no. 83 McManus A (2012) The most northerly documented record rare (2012) The P,R Lang Doughty N, Ross J, Krokowski stoneworts Monitoring (2010) G Hinton B, Haycock and taxonomy Diversity, (2010) A Poulíčková P, Hašler Belcher (J)H, Swale E(MF) (1984) Catch a falling star. References 2012) in theUK. of thegreenalga hwaters. fres British to new loch: kettle Scottish a in pleales) green alga Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London,New York: 277-290.B hwater: A Practical Guide andCaseStudies (eds) I Cowx M, ra British Isles. a studyonpopulationsfromtheCzechRepublicand the genus autecology of autochthonousepipelic cyanobacteria of lklore spp.at Bosherston Lakes. In: Hursford C, Schneider 95:210-220.B[concerns The GlasgowNaturalist Komophovoron Pediastrum privum The GlasgowNaturalist Biologia Hydrodictyon reticulatum Conservation MonitoringinFres 65(1):7-16.B (Borziaceae, Oscillatoriales): (Chlorophyta,Sphaero Nostoc commune 25(4) B (online 2012) 54. (online B 25(4). (water-net) . Springer, ] Cha Fo - - - - - Scotland) andDrChrisCarter(Wootton, Northampton). Kilbride, East (SEPA, Lang Pauline Scotland), Kilbride, East (SEPA, Krokowski Jan Dr Wageningen), Ecology, Dr Suzanne Naus-Wiezer (The Netherlands Institute of tention toerrors/omissions: We wouldlike tothankthefollowingfordrawingourat Acknowledgements snow the on observations new Some (2011) A Pentecost Kent the of flora freshwater-algal The Pentecost A(2005) ty, DurhamDH13LE,UKb.a.whitton@durham. and BiomedicalSciences,DurhamUniversi [email protected] andSchoolofBiological Museum, CromwellRoad,LondonSW75BD,UK Department ofBotany,TheNaturalHistory Microscopy algae of theCairngormMountains. Hydrobiologie and Sussex Weald, UK:160yearsofchange. Archiv für David M.JohnandBrianA.Whitton 41: 543-547.B 163:259-285.B Quekett Journal of ac.uk - - NEW DESMID POSTERS Desmids of the Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles Two posters containing 437 desmids illustrated in the second edition of The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles’ (John et al., 2011; published by Cambrid- ge University Press) are now available from the Natural History Bookshop (NHBS), Totnes, Devon (www.NHBS. com). The illustrations have been drawn to scale by Da- vid Williamson who has arranged them so as to enable a ready comparison of the relative sizes and morphology of members of each genus. The poster set is a tool to as- sist identification of desmids worldwide since many of the British desmids are probably cosmopolitan. The pos- ters are sponsored by the British Phycological Society and are on sale. Posters are approximately 86cm x 58cm.

Publisher: David B. Williamson. NHBS price £14.99 (excluding post and packaging).

Important reminder from the Secretary The Annual Meeting of the BPS in 2013 is 8th – 10th July in Belfast. Several years of bad winter weather have severely affected attendance at the Annual Meeting and after much de- liberation it was decided to move the meeting to the summer in the hope that travel arrangements are less likely to be disrupted by wind and snow. Naturally this will inevitably mean that we can look forward to grey skies and worse in Belfast next year. The AGM will be held during the annual meeting as normal but the move to the summer will mean that there is an 18 month gap between AGMs. Elected officers and Council Members will take over at the AGM. If you have any views on the decision to move the Annual Meeting to the summer please contact me [email protected] Jane Pottas, BPS Secretary Your society needs you! If you, or someone you know, would like to serve on BPS Council then this is your chance. Nominations are called for the following Officers and for Ordinary Members of Council: Treasurer Membership Secretary Meetings Secretary Student Representative Ordinary Members of Council – 2 places All roles are held for three years in the first instance. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else (remember to ask them first!) please send me your/their name, the name of a seconder and which role (Officer or Ordinary Member) the nomination is for. Please also include brief details of your/their area of interest in phycology so that these details can be circulated to the electorate in the event of an election. Nominations to be received by November 9th 2012 (Jane Pottas, BPS Secretary, [email protected]) 41 42 The Phycologist no. 83 see opportunity wheremostpeoplecould not. This partof also adedicated andtenacious scientist with theability to a warm, friendly and approachable person yet she was in EvolutionaryBiologyand Ecology. “Tor Vergata”, whereshecoordinated theCourse/Program a leading role within the PhD School of the University of of the Scientific and Technical Board. She was also played spin off AlgaRes s.r.l. in2009the position of President theUniversity toestablish her led This soils. desertified novative applications, bioremediation of wastewater and for thetraceability of phycotoxins,algal biomass forin biosensors heritage, for cultural biotechnology of fields cently, herworkhadtakenonamoreapplied focus inthe blooms oftoxicmicroalgae and cyanobacteria. More re aquatic environments as well as freshwater and marine and subaerial in biofilms phototrophic of function and re In particular, herinterestslayinthestudyofstructu biology and systematics of cyanobacteria and microalgae. research. Hermainresearchinterestsinvolvedthebasic substantially to progressinvariousareasofphycological gal Biology at “Tor Vergata” and her work contributed rous coursesintheBiologyof Algae andBotany. then a full professor in Botany from 2001, running nume where she was made an associate professor in 1998 and at the Department of Biology, University “Tor Vergata”, sor. From1984to1997shewasemployedasaresearcher siology at the University of Cosenza as an adjunct profes research until 1982. In1983-1984shetaught Plant Phy versity ofNaplesin1978,wheresheremained conducting pancreatic cancer, shewas59. of 14thMarch2012fromcomplications brought aboutby versity ofRome“Tor Vergata”, Italy, diedonthemorning colleagues providetheirtributetoPatriziainthefollowingparagraphs. (see below), and we will all miss her. Inevitably, however, she will be missed most by her immediate colleagues. Those Shubert’srecollections Elliot personal by company,typified her as in spent time of memories fond have will her knew generous andalwaysreadytospendtimeinconversation,preferablyoveraglassofwineorcupcoffee. naged tomaintain the poiseandstylethatwenorthEuropeansalwaysassociate with Italy. Shewasfun,hardworking, cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea. Life on board ship was always informal, and sometimes a little basic, but Patrizia ma adrift with her onavariety of research ships aswesoughttoimprove our understanding of the biology and ecology of Societies seas Vice President oftheBPSandhadbeenveryactive in theformation of the Patrizia Albertano1952-2012 P Patrizia was thegroupleader of the Laboratory of Al Patrizia graduated in Biological Sciences from the Uni The world ofphycology is a poorer and less interesting place without our colleague and friend Patrizia. Those who In the last issue of Patrizia, as the many who knew herwouldagree, was neral Botany, intheDepartment ofBiology, Uni atrizia Beatrice Albertano, Full ProfessorofGe . Patrizia was a wonderful person to know and workwith.Ihadtheprivilege a wonderfulpersontoknowspendmanyhappyhourscast . Patriziawas The Phycologist the untimely death of Patrizia Albertano was announced. Patrizia was a past Over Obituary ------to a new idea meant that on entering her office, one could one office, her entering on that meant idea new a to derground, tothecatacombs of Rome.Patrizia’s openness the water and onto the terrestrial environment and then un Patrizia’s career sheessentially tookcyanobacteria out of her character led hertodiversifyinterestsandduring such wasthe interest to workinher group.Herseemingly cause ofthelimit space she hadavailable in herlaboratory, dents andtheonlyreasonthere havenotbeenmorewasbe Turkey orthesmallhandbagfromMexico. still recognizehergirlswearing thatfancybracelet from he had something to give to a wife or girlfriend. You will with anapologetic smile fromher, butintheendatleast lar significance. Any male in the lab would receive this gift ceive some bejeweled keepsake that always hadaparticu abroad were eagerly awaited by ‘her girls’ whowould re theme in Patrizia’s life and herreturn from hermany trips place from thebeginning.Jewelrywas alsotoremain a in firmly already were originality her and ingenuity her of Naples to get through her first degree showed that the roots stories ofhermakingandsellingjewelryonthestreets of street was unexplorednotarecent phenomenon and day afterthedeadlinealongwithanapologeticletter! tracts, the latter of which, inevitably, were submitted the out projectproposals,manuscripts,andconferenceabs beautiful smile andalaugh. This wasthetime for sending of smoke,andalwayssurprisingly fresh andsharp,witha be before8pm,whenshewouldreceived us inacloud would havetowaittheirturnthatfrequently not her office, which normally meant that her lab collaborators unusual sight to come across these people queuing to enter conservationists or environmental managers. It wasnotan green energy, businessmen,journalists,cultural heritage (now professionals themselves), engineers with designs on professors from all disciplines and countries, past students never besurewhoyouwouldcome across beitfellow Patrizia was an inspirationandmentorofnumerous stu Patrizia was That Patrizia’s resourcefulnessknewnoboundsand no Federation of European Phycological Paul Hayes ------endless knowledge, energy and enthusiasm in combination with her humbleness gave one the feeling of being able to approach her with any problem. Patrizia was able to instill so much confidence and courage in her collaborators so that if you entered her room discouraged or troubled with regard to your project, you were sure to leave it with the vigor to overcome any problem. Stromboli, it is an island that some have possibly heard of and some may even know it as a tiny volcanic island just north of Sicily, but few have been to this tranquil and beau- tiful haven, or if they have they did not take in the rustic and isolated town of Ginostra on the south-western flank of the volcano. Put together Patrizia’s hectic work sche- dule and her altruistic nature, it is not difficult to unders- tand why she never failed to go there for summer vacation year after year, the island obviously represented the perfect sanctuary for Patrizia. After these trips, Patrizia would re- turn very relaxed, very tanned and ready to start work with even more enthusiasm than before, batteries fully charged.

Roberta Congestri, Laura Bruno, Emanuela Viaggiu, Daniela Billi, Francesca Di Pippo, Simona Bellezza, Neil T.W. Ellwood

A personal tribute from Elliot Shubert

The first time that I met Patrizia was at an International ning socially. I had an opportunity to observe Patrizia in Diatom Society meeting in 1994 in Maratea near Naples, her work environment. She was constantly busy meeting Italy. She was immediately friendly and talkative about people, teaching and discussing research ideas. However, diatoms, algae and life in general. Subsequently, we met she always took time for an espresso break at the univer- again in 1996 at the International Phycological Congress sity café with friends and colleagues. She drove an older held in Leiden, The Netherlands. During the course of our small car, which she drove cautiously around Rome igno- conversation, we discussed mutual research interests and ring the aggressive drivers in large cars. I recall a memo- decided to apply for funding to conduct a research project rable trip driving from Rome to Taranto to attend a phyco- on biofilms growing in a sewage treatment plant near the logical meeting of the Italian Botanical Society. I was the Rome airport. With funding from the British Council, we only male with four Italian women and we had a crazy and started the two-year project in 1996. I made numerous trips enjoyable trip and meeting. Patrizia never complained and to Rome and Patrizia made trips to London as a part of our she just got on with the work at hand. She kept her per- collaboration. Patrizia was always the consummate host sonal life separate from her professional life. I have fond when I visited Rome and we had many enjoyable hours memories of Patrizia; she will be missed. together working on the project and relaxing in the eve-

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