Genomes from over 130 organisms have been either sequenced completely or are currently under investigation. These studies include a wide array of Bacteria, a smaller number of Archaea, modelsystem eukaryotes, parasitic protists, and even several microalgae. However, no major effort is underway to acquire a complete nuclear genome sequence from a single macroalga or seaweed despite their crucial contribution to the biodiversity and energy economy of oceans and estuaries. Here we examine various macroalgae as potential candidates for a genome project. A set of criteria is presented, followed by a brief discussion of how well different candidates from the principal macroalgae groups, green, brown, and red algae, meet these criteria. Based on our analyses, we conclude that the red seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, should be the leading candidate for a macroalgal genomics initiative. We realize, of course, that others in the phycological community might have a different opinion and that a broad consensus among algal researchers is required to make seaweed genomics a reality; thus the primary intention of this review is to initiate and encourage further discussion as to where the phycological community should focus its genomic efforts.

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Methods were developed for the isolation of large numbers of healthy protoplasts from two species of the agarophyte Gracilaria; G. tikvahiae McLachlan and G. lemaneiformis (Bory) Weber‐van Bosse. This is the first report of protoplast isolation and cell division in a commercially important, phycocolloid‐producing red seaweed, as well as for a member of the Florideophycidae. The optimal enzyme composition for cell wall digestion and protoplast viability consisted of 3% Onozuka R‐10, 3% Macerozyme R‐10, 1% agarase and 0.5% Pectolyase Y‐ 23 dissolved in a 60% seawater osmoticum containing 1.0 M mannitol. The complete removal of the cell wall was confirmed by several different methods, including electron microscopic examination, and the absence of Calcofluor White (for cellulose) and TBO (for sulfated polysaccharide) staining. Spontaneous protoplast fusion was observed on several occasions. Protoplast viability was dependent upon the strain and age of the parent material, as well as the mannitol concentration of the enzyme osmoticum. Cell wall regeneration generally occurred in 2‐6 days; cell division in 5‐10 days. Protoplast‐produced cell masses up to the 16‐32 cell stage have been grown in culture. However, efforts to regenerate whole plants have been unsuccessful to date.

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