Diversity of marine macroalgae species from Hai Van - Son Cha MPA (Thua Thien Hue province) in Central Vietnam: A historical overview of research and publications

Abstract

This study provides the first systematic overview of the marine algal diversity reported from field surveys along the Hai Van - Son Cha coastline in Central Vietnam. The updated checklist includes a total of 134 species belonging to 22 orders, 36 families, 63 genera of 4 phyla, providing an important baseline for future monitoring and research. The taxonomic adjustments reflect the need to periodically review the nomenclature to track the changes in the classification. The differences in the species reported in each survey indicate the need to expand the field surveys. The biodiversity models provide clues about the factors affecting the marine algal diversity along this coastal area. The application of emerging molecular tools can significantly enhance the inventory of the marine algal diversity of Hai Van - Son Cha in the future. The updated checklist can serve as a useful reference for future research and conservation actions for the marine biology of Hai Van - Son Cha and other areas of Vietnam.