s A Field Guide to the British Seaweeds - NMBAQC

A FIELD KEY TO THE BRITISH SEAWEEDS
This identification guide is driven solely by the Water Framework Directive and only
includes those species listed as those most frequently found on shores within the
British Isles and Republic of Ireland. This list is referred to as the reduced species list
(RSL). Separate lists have has been compiled for Northern Ireland, Southern
England/RoI/Wales and Northern England/Scotland.
This key is specific to the RSL and may exclude a number of characteristics and
morphological forms that may usually be found in algal identification keys.
Chlorophyta The green algae are generally grass green in colour and tend to be
delicate in morphological form with many existing as small filamentous, foliose or
microscopic forms. They often turn brown during the decomposition process and may
appear brown in the field due to the external presence of epiphytic diatoms. Most
Chlorophyta species are located at the top of the shore although Ulva, Enteromorpha
and Cladophora are also common on the mid and lower shore. Page 23
Reduced species list identification guide as required by the Water Framework Directive 20