The subtidal marine algal flora of northern Senegal has been character
ized based on a literature review and collections made during December
and February, 1993-94. At present, 242 species are listed from northe
rn Senegal of which 80 species were found in this study (16 Chlorophyt
a, 12 Phaeophyta and 52 Rhodophyta). This includes 29 species not prev
iously recorded for Senegal and 8 species previously unknown from West
Africa. The biogeographic affinities of Senegal are primarily with th
e more temperate floras to the north, and there is a sharp transition
in species composition between northern Senegal and regions to the sou
th. The relative absence of tropical species is explained by southward
directed ocean currents and the occurrence of major areas of brackish
water and mangrove communities to the south.