Dr John Huisman, one of Australia’s leading lights in the field, is based at Murdoch University where he is busy teasing out the intricacies of species frequency and distribution along the north-west coast of Western Australia.

Dr Huisman said classifying and identifying species (taxonomy) is not a black and white issue and can be very controversial.

“Basically, the concept of species in the seaweeds is an artificial construct,” said Dr Huisman.

“We just have to hope that we are choosing pigeonholes that match the path of evolution.

“Some people lump similar organisms together and others believe they should be split apart into different species. Also, people use different features such as reproductive success or appearance to identify whether organisms should be grouped together.”

Dr Huisman has been working on Western Australian seaweed since 1985, and his work is now used a starting point for many marine environmental surveys in the region. Approximately 3000 algal species have been identified in Australian waters and Dr Huisman believes there are plenty more species yet to be discovered.

“Seaweed and algae taxonomy is important, not only from an environmental preservation and management perspective, but also for its economic potential,” said Dr Huisman.

“Algae has many uses such as forming the base for gelling agents, fertilisers, and food for humans and aquaculture.”

Dr Huisman has compiled his research into the first “coffee-table” book on Australian marine plants with over 300 common species illustrated by colour underwater photographs and intricate drawings.

“I hope the book will introduce marine plants to a wider audience by presenting them in the form of a naturalist’s guide that illustrates the striking and unusual beauty of many of these plants,” said Dr Huisman.

“The book does not attempt to answer all questions nor does it include all of the well over 3,000 species present in Australia. However, it provides a comprehensive selection of references that are generally available and allows easy introduction to the literature.”

Marine Plants of Australia is published by University of Western Australia Press, 2000.