Algae Outer HebridesThe accounts of individual species can be accessed through the indexes of scientific and common names, by using the search page or taxonomic lists.
The varied coastal topography of the Outer Hebrides supports a wide range of marine habitats and consequently is an important area for seaweeds in the UK. The first studies of the marine algae of the islands were included in a 19th century account of the plants.
Since the 1940s considerable attention has been paid to the marine algae of the archipelago and a list of species is included in the Seaweed Survey of the Outer Hebrides 2012. There are currently 389 species of marine algae recorded in the literature for the archipelago which is over 60% of the UK seaweed flora.
Unfortunately the information on the distribution of marine algae in the Outer Hebrides which is available on the National Biodiversity Network Atlas Scotland is not comprehensive and information is scattered amongst various scientific publications and reports.
There is, however, considerable scope for recording at new sites and repeated sampling at previously surveyed sites.
All images are by Chris Johnson, unless annotated otherwise.