Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii’s deep waters

In January 2016, scientists announced the discovery of four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaiʻi. Marine algae, or limu, are very important in Hawaiian culture, used in foods, ceremonies and as adornments in traditional hula. The new species of limu were collected between 200-400 feet, depths not typically known for marine algae.

Press Release Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

underwater photo of algae found at kure atoll — New species of deep-water algae photographed by a SCUBA diver at 188 feet at Kure Atoll in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA, 2015

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people examining speciemens in the lab — Dr. Heather Spalding examines a limu specimen at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA, 2014

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ROV arm collecting algae sample — New species of deep-water algae, Ulva ohiohilulu, collected by a submersible of the Hawaiʻi Undersea Research Laboratory at 307 feet off south Maui.

Credit: HURL archives, 2009

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underwater photo of algae found near maui — New species of deep-water algae, Umbraulva kuaweuweu, which refers to the Hawaiian god of prosperity (Kū) and the area north of Maui, and is intended to refer to “grass of Kū.” Photographed by diver at 277 feet off Lisianski Island in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: Brian Hauk/NOAA, 2015

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people examining samples in lab — Dr. Heather Spalding processes a limu specimen at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA, 2013

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ROV arm collecting algae sample — New species of deep-water algae collected by a submersible of the Hawaiʻi Undersea Research Laboratory at 304 feet from Lahaina, Maui.

Credit: HURL archives, 2009

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ROV arm collecting algae sample — New species of deep-water algae Ulva ohiohilulu collected by a submersible of the Hawaiʻi Undersea Research Laboratory at 304 feet from west Maui.

Credit: HURL archives, 2009

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ROV arm collecting algae sample — New species of deep-water algae, Ulva ohiohilulu, collected by a submersible of the Hawaiʻi Undersea Research Laboratory at 281 feet from south Maui.

Credit: HURL archives, 2009

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New species of algae at 195 ft from Lisianski, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sancturies

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New species of algae at 195 ft from Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sancturies

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New species of algae at 188 ft m depth from Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: Daniel Wagner/NOAA

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New species of algae at 304 ft depth from Kure, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sancturies

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The new algae species Umbraulva kuaweuweu being collected at 264 ft depth from west Maui.

Credit: Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory

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The new algae species Ulva iliohaha collected from 211 ft depth from French Frigate Shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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The new algae species Ulva ohiohilulu collected from 277 ft depth from Lisianski, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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The new algae species Umbraulva kaloakulau at 413 ft depth from west Maui.

Credit: Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory

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The new algae species Umbraulva kuaweuweu collected from 277 ft depth from Lisianski, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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The new algae species Umbraulva kaloakulau collected from 281 ft depth from Pearl and Hermes, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Credit: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

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