Kathy Ann Miller

Intraspecific variation in mitogenomes has provided the resolution to distinguish between morphologically indistinguishable species and highlight cryptic speciation. This level of variation is underexplored in introduced marine algae. This study evaluated the mitogenomic variability of Gracilaria vermiculophylla, one of the most invasive red algae in the Northern Hemisphere. Nine mitogenomes, comprising seven newly generated complete mitogenomes from Korea, Japan, and Morocco, plus two publicly available mitogenomes, were included in our analysis. The mitogenomes were highly conserved, ranged from 26,064 to 26,178 bp in length, and contained 52 genes comprising 25 protein-coding genes, three rRNAs, and 24 tRNAs. Nucleotide composition showed a strong AT bias (71.6%), with AT skew and GC skew values of 0.050 and 0.014–0.021, respectively. Pairwise divergences of cox2, rnl and rns rRNA were remarkably low, in a range of 0–0.06%, suggesting alternate markers for determining recent introductions. The phylogenetic relationship based on protein-coding genes revealed three shallow groups in G. vermiculophylla, which were correlated with distribution: two C groups from warm temperate sites and one T group from cold temperate sites. This result highlights mitogenomics as a new tool for the deeper understanding of phylogeography and invasion genetics of marine red algae.

The canopy‐forming feather boa kelp Egregia menziesii exhibits remarkable morphological variability across its geographic range. Regional morphotypes of Egregia were once considered separate species, but they were not determined to be genetically distinct; instead, their morphology was thought to reflect local physical or environmental conditions. Although morphological variation in Egregia has long been observed and was previously characterized through field surveys in the early 2000s, we revisited this topic using digital morphometrics (i.e., image analysis) of 1624 macroalgal herbarium specimens from California dating back to the 19th century. We observed that the morphology of Egregia (rachis texture, lateral blade shape, and blade or pneumatocyst density) varied along a latitudinal gradient and could be predicted by seawater temperature and wave height. We also identified some region‐specific morphological changes in recent decades. Further, the monthly presence or absence of sporophylls in southern‐region specimens provided preliminary evidence into the reproductive phenology of Egregia . Herbarium collections are invaluable for studying patterns in morphology because they showcase inter‐ and intraspecific variability and establish a baseline for comparison through time. Integrating natural historical and contemporary data will be critical for understanding and predicting future trends in the context of ocean warming.

The articulated coralline genus Corallina is common in temperate rocky ecosystems and provides settlement substrate and refugia for other organisms. However, our ability to understand species‐specific traits and interactions has been confounded by overlapping morphological characteristics among species. DNA sequences from type specimens and recently collected specimens have begun to address these issues by clarifying phylogenetic species boundaries and geographic distributions. We sequenced an rbc L gene barcode from a paratype specimen of Corallina bathybentha (type locality: 0.5 miles south of the west end of Anacapa Is., California, United States) and have provided an updated description. Three cryptic species have been described: C. hommersandiorum and C. saundersii are endemic to the northeastern Pacific, whereas C. americana is anti‐tropical in the eastern Pacific. Haplotype network analyses using the COI locus suggested that C. americana naturally dispersed from North to South America; it was not likely a recent or human‐mediated introduction. To explore species boundaries, stepwise discriminant models were used to analyze morphological and ecological traits and were visualized in canonical multidimensional plots. Every species overlapped in canonical space with at least one other species, further illustrating that morphological identifications of Corallina species are challenging and unreliable. This work completes the taxonomic study of the currently known diversity of Corallina in the northeast Pacific for which we have access to type specimens. Given that this region is likely the center of origin and home to three‐quarters of the known Corallina species, these taxonomic studies, including this one, make a significant contribution to our understanding of coralline diversity.

Misapplication of Ulva epithets in GenBank has led to confusion in the scientific literature and community. To solve some of the problems, targeted DNA sequencing of plastid encoded rbcL gene amplicons or high-throughput sequencing was performed on all blade-forming Ulva type specimens from the northeast Pacific. Recently collected specimens from at or near type localities were also analyzed for some taxa. Based on these genetic analyses, we confirmed currently recognized species: U. californica, with U. angusta and U. scagelii as heterotypic synonyms, U. stenophylla, U. taeniata, and U. tanneri. Ulva dactylifera, currently considered a synonym of U. taeniata based on morpho-anatomy, is recognized as a distinct species, as is U. expansa whose type specimen was sequenced in 2018. All but two of the ITS, rbcL and tufA sequences in GenBank that were labeled U. californica were correctly named, in contrast to U. taeniata, for which only one of 14 sequences was correctly labeled. These results show that DNA sequencing of Ulva type specimens is essential for the correct application of names.

We have isolated a chlorophyll-d-containing cyanobacterium from the intertidal field site at Moss Beach, on the coast of Central California, USA, where Manning and Strain (1943) originally discovered this far-red chlorophyll. Here, we present the cyanobacterium’s environmental description, culturing procedure, pigment composition, ultrastructure, and full genome sequence. Among cultures of far-red cyanobacteria obtained from red algae from the same site, this strain was an epiphyte on a brown macroalgae. Its Q_yin vivo absorbance peak is centered at 704–705 nm, the shortest wavelength observed thus far among the various known Acaryochloris strains. Its Chl a/Chl d ratio was 0.01, with Chl d accounting for 99% of the total Chl d and Chl a mass. TEM imagery indicates the absence of phycobilisomes, corroborated by both pigment spectra and genome analysis. The Moss Beach strain codes for only a single set of genes for producing allophycocyanin. Genomic sequencing yielded a 7.25 Mbp circular chromosome and 10 circular plasmids ranging from 16 kbp to 394 kbp. We have determined that this strain shares high similarity with strain S15, an epiphyte of red algae, while its distinct gene complement and ecological niche suggest that this strain could be the closest known relative to the original Chl d source of Manning and Strain (1943). The Moss Beach strain is designated Acaryochloris sp. (marina) strain Moss Beach.

The authors joined forces professionally when Kathy hired Shannon to be a member of her leadership team. This book describes the transformation they led to convert operations from traditional manufacturing to a lean enterprise. Kathy (executive leader responsible for profitability) and Shannon (transformation leader) share the finer points of a comprehensive change process, the challenges and triumphs, and the real emotion involved during their quest for success. Each describes the professional journey from their unique perspective and the highlights of an endearing friendship that was formed along the way. This story will inspire female leaders in any organization, showcasing an example of high-performing women thriving in an intense and fast-paced world. Kathy and Shannon are role models for those juggling intense, fulfilling careers, alongside life’s complexities such as dual-career marriages and raising children. Their story provides a powerful case study of women supporting each other in the workplace to drive positive culture and significantly improved business results by leading with authenticity and inclusivity.

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Cosmopolitan Acrosorium species with hook-forming thalli have been merged under the name of Acrosorium ciliolatum (Harvey) Kylin through a long and complicated nomenclatural history. We examined the specimens of ‘A. ciliolatum’ and related taxa from the northwestern (NW) Pacific, the UK, southern Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, using morphological and molecular analyses. We confirmed that these specimens are separated into four clades based on rbcL phylogeny, and the absence or presence of terminal hook-like structures represent intraspecific variation. Our results indicated that Acrosorium flabellatum Yamada, Cryptopleura hayamensis Yamada, Cryptopleura membranacea Yamada and the entities known as ‘A. ciliolatum’ in the NW Pacific are conspecific; the name A. flabellatum is the oldest and has priority. This taxon exhibits extreme variations in external blade morphology. We also confirmed that the position of the tetrasporangial sori is a valuable diagnostic characteristic for distinguishing A. flabellatum in the NW Pacific. We also discussed the need for further study of European and southern hemisphere specimens from type localities, as well as the ambiguous position of California specimens.

Here, we report for the first time the presence of Dictyota cyanoloma in southern California. Dictyota cyanoloma is conspicuous in harbors and bays by its distinctive bright blue‐iridescent margins. This species was originally described from Europe, but subsequent studies have revealed that it represented an introduction from Australia. The current distribution of D. cyanoloma comprises southern Australia and the North East Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Macaronesian islands. The presence of D. cyanoloma in southern California is supported by molecular cox1 and psbA gene sequences. A reconstruction of the invasive history based on nine polymorphic microsatellite markers reveals a close affinity of the Californian specimens with European populations. Dictyota cyanoloma in the United States appears to be (so far) restricted to the Californian coast from San Diego Bay in the south to Santa Catalina Island and Long Beach Harbor in the north. A correlative species distribution model suggests gradually declining habitat suitability north of the Southern Californian Bight and high suitability in Baja California, including the Gulf of California. Finally, its widespread abundance in bays and harbors suggests shipping is a likely transport mechanism.