Endemic or introduced? Phylogeography of Asparagopsis (Florideophyceae) in Australia reveals multiple introductions and a new mitochondrial lineage

A new cryptic mitochondrial lineage of the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has been identified, alongside multiple human-mediated introductions across Australia and South Korea. Phylogeographic analysis revealed a significant genetic and geographic break between western Australian isolates and those from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), suggesting the existence of a sixth lineage distinct from previously described ones. The study also documented the presence of lineage 4 in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the highly invasive Indo-Pacific Mediterranean lineage 2 in South Korea and Lord Howe Island, Australia. This research underscores the critical need for periodic surveys to detect cryptic invasive seaweeds, given the accelerating impacts of climate change on biota relocation and niche colonization.

Andreakis, N., Costello, P., Zanolla, M., Saunders, G. W., & Mata, L. (2016). Endemic or introduced? Phylogeography of Asparagopsis (Florideophyceae) in Australia reveals multiple introductions and a new mitochondrial lineage. Journal of Phycology, 52(1), 141–147. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpy.12373