Erasmo Macaya - Web Page

PhD Study

Macrocystis represents the most widely recognized kelp genus, forming dense forests that span the temperate west coasts of North and South America and also includes Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and most of the sub-Antarctic islands See map below). Despite their economic and ecological importance, Macrocystis phylogeny, taxonomy and dispersal pattern still remains unresolved. Using different molecular markers I will study the connectivity, phylogeography and dispersal patterns of Macrocystis in a global scale and with more emphasis in New Zealand and Chilean coasts. My proposed study will contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary ecology and dispersal patterns of Macrocystis and thereby provide an important tool for marine ecologists and conservation managers involved in the design of networks of marine protected areas.

Macrocystis pyrifera-ecomorphs worldwide distribution, showing sampling sites.

Conferences

29 - 31 August 2007
Marine Sciences Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Macaya E., Plana J., Mansilla A., Zuccarello G. and Faugeron S. Phylogeography of the giant kelp Macrocystis (Phaeophyceae) from Chile and New Zealand using a mitochondrial marker.

26 - 29 November 2007
22nd ASPAB Conference Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.
Macaya E., Zuccarello G. and Faugeron S. Global phylogeography of the giant kelp Macrocystis (Phaeophyceae).

10 - 14 Noviembre 2008
Vth Asian Pacific Phycological Forum, Wellington, Nueva Zelanda.
Macaya E., Zuccarello G. and Faugeron S. Moving around the Southern Oceans: taxonomy and phylogeography of the giant kelp Macrocystis.

2 - 4 September 2009
Marine Sciences Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Macaya E., Alberto F., Serrao E., Faugeron S., & Zuccarello G. Moving around the oceans: Global phylogeography and taxonomy of the giant kelp Macrocystis. Benthic Science Student Prize, More info, click here.

Macrocystis is a monospecific genus:

Macaya E. & Zuccarello, G. Accepted. DNA barcoding and genetic divergence in the giant kelp Macrocystis (Laminariales). Journal of Phycology.


Macrocystis pyrifera, conical holdfast	Macrocystis *pyrifera* (integrifolia form), rhizomatous holdfast

Macrocystis pyrifera (integrifolia form) apical tips. Playa Blanca, northern Chile.

Macrocystis pyrifera blades and aerocysts. Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand.


Offshore floating kelp rafts , Coquimbo northern Chile. (photo: I. Hinojosa)	Macrocystis (integrifolia form), floating kelp raft. Playa Blanca, northern Chile. (photo: I. Hinojosa)

Macrocystis pyrifera (integrifolia form) . Playa Blanca, northern Chile.

Macrocystis pyrifera. Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Macrocystis pyrifera (angustifolia form) . Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.