Marine Macroalgae Diversity and Ecology in the Atlantic Ocean
A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 119
Special Issue Editors
Interests: fossil and living larger foraminifera and calcareous algae; paleoecology; marine paleoenvironments; paleobiogeography; carbonate sedimentology; Cenozoic
Interests: marine algae; marine ecology; marine environment; phycology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Atlantic Ocean supports some of the most highly productive and biodiverse marine ecosystems, distributed across a broad latitudinal climate gradient. Macroalgae are foundational organisms that form ecologically and functionally important habitats along the Atlantic’s vast coastline and continental shelf. Compared to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Atlantic has a unique macroalgal composition, making it a priority region for biodiversity mapping and monitoring. It harbors several macroalgal systems, such as tropical coral reefs, rhodolith beds, kelp forests, and rocky shores, across various upwelling regions and large estuaries that support the livelihoods of coastal populations. However, macroalgal habitats are highly sensitive to environmental stressors, including marine pollution, ocean acidification and warming, tourism, and coastal population pressure. Among these, ocean warming has been identified as a major driver of changes in macroalgal distribution, composition, and survival. Climate change is driving species replacements, phase shifts, and mortalities, with broad impacts on biodiversity. Furthermore, interactions with local stressors also influence variation in species composition and distribution at local and regional levels. Unlike terrestrial environments, macroalgal habitats remain difficult to monitor and map due to their extent and to methodological constraints, making ecosystem management and planning in this context particularly challenging. This Special Issue aims to advance knowledge of the current and projected state of macroalgal diversity, distribution, composition, and habitat coverage in different environmental settings in the Atlantic Ocean. It will also address trends, while exploring the negative impacts and potential benefits affecting these ecosystems.
Prof. Dr. Davide Bassi
Dr. Claudia S. Karez
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Atlantic Ocean
- macroalgae
- climate change
- habitats
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