BIODIVERSITY OF AUSTRALIAN MARINE MACROALGAE - A PROGRESS REPORT

The biodiversity of Australian macroalgae is assessed by reference to species numbers recorded for the various biogeographical and political regions. The figures show a marked disparity between northern and sou thern Australia, with the former apparently depauperate as compared to the rich flora recorded from southern Australia. Whilst a reduction i n species numbers is expected when comparing tropical to temperate reg ions, the situation in Australia is greatly exaggerated by relative le vels of collecting and research effort. The completion of an Australia -wide macroalgal flora will be severely hampered until additional effo rt is directed towards these unexplored regions.