Review of available DNA sequence data: our understanding of macroalgal diversity in New Zealand

Understanding our biodiversity is of the utmost importance to determine evolutionary histories of organisms, reliably detect new incursions and select species for commercial operations. Advances in molecular techniques have provided a strong tool to facilitate a deeper understanding of our biodiversity. Macroalgae are a polyphyletic group that comprises three phyla: Chlorophyta (green algae), Ochrophyta (brown algae) and Rhodophyta (red algae). These three algal groups have complex evolutionary histories, play essential roles in our ecosystem, and provide a diverse range of commercial products (e.g. food) and services (e.g. bioremediation). New Zealand is known for its high and unique biodiversity, including macroalgae. Here, we compared all named macroalgal species to publicly available DNA sequence data in the NCBI database (GenBank) with the aim to assess the number of sequenced species and determine which groups require more work. Our review revealed that the majority of named macroalgal species in New Zealand have been either not sequenced or have not been sequenced from New Zealand specimens. Furthermore, the majority of sequenced species have fewer than 10 sequences publicly available. This lack of DNA sequence data dramatically impacts our understanding of our biodiversity, the detection of new incursions, and hinders the utilisation of our unique diversity commercially to its highest potential.