The need for ex-situ macroalgal germplasm banking for conservation, industry and food security

Worldwide, biodiversity is declining and the marine environment is no exception, with increasing sea surface temperatures leading to drastic alterations in marine populations, communities and ecosystems. Of particular concern is the potential for loss of macroalgae, which function as ecological engineers, primary producers, habitat and structure providers, nutrient cyclers, keystone species, food and nursery grounds for invertebrates and pelagic organisms, and shoreline buffers from storms. Furthermore, macroalgae are a (U.S.) $11 billion industry as food, animal feed and fertilizers.