Tasmania . lutruwita

        Tasmania (lutruwita in the Palawa Kani language) is one of the southernmost territories in the Pacific Ocean. The island features a rich and diverse environment, influenced by the temperate waters that surround it. The varied bays along the main island and the smaller islands that surround it each provide unique habitats, where the biodiversity of algae is particularly well represented.

Unfortunately, like many regions in the Pacific, Tasmania's environment has been directly impacted by climate change. A variety of phenomena, such as rising sea temperatures, the migration of sea urchins from mainland Australia to Tasmania, and ocean acidification, have contributed to significant ecological changes. As a result, the once vast kelp forests have disappeared by 95% in recent years.

In response to these challenges, efforts are being made by teams from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). Annual biodiversity monitoring led by Scott Bennett's team and reforestation projects spearheaded by Scott Ling's team are actively working to restore Tasmania's marine ecosystems and safeguard its unique biodiversity.

Also, one of Tasmania’s distinctive features is the significant presence of red algae. These seaweeds are especially abundant along the island’s southern coasts. This remarkable diversity is largely due to the tannin-stained waters of the Huon River, which create a unique environment that supports a wide range of marine species. The same exceptional richness in red algae can also be observed at Mickeys Beach and Drip Beach.

Lessonia corrugata

Lenormandia marginata

Perbella minuta

Caulerpa muelleri

Codium pomoides

Grateloupia turuturu

Sarcothalia crassifolia

Ecklonia radiata

Halymenia spp.

Hormosira banksii

Xiphophora gladiata

Pollexfenia lobata

Durvilaea amatheiae

Caulerpa scalpelliformis

Phyllospora comosa

Acknowledgements – Species Identification

Elizabeth (Lizzi) OH
Higher Degree by Research Candidate Ecology and Biodiversity, Hobart, Tasmania

Many thanks to IMAS for their support with field logistics : Louise Creely, Scott Bennett, Scott Ling, Alex Heathcote, German Soler, Hunter Forbes, Olivia Johnson, Lara Denis-Roy, Stuart Isles, Claire Butler & James Smallhorn-West.

Special Thanks :
 . Scott Bennett from the Great Southern Reef Foundation
 . Simon Brooks from Seaweeds of Salamanca & the Eaglehawk Dive Centre