Speaker: Lauren Briggs

Synopsis: While they may look like regular plants, marine algae actually belong the kingdom Protista, which means they are “plant-like” organisms. Marine algae are divided into three separate groups: red, green, and brown, and each play an important role in coastal communities. Changing tides often create harsh conditions for these seaweeds. Let’s explore the unique adaptations many marine alga have developed to withstand exposure during low tide, and wave action during high tide. We will also discuss how they benefit other organisms within the marine community and threats from human disturbance.

About the Author: Lauren has a Master of Science from Cal Poly Pomona, where she studied the effects of ocean warming and acidification on seaweed growth and urchin grazing. She has helped various groups in Southern California, including Cabrillo National Monument, on long term monitoring projects to help determine changes in the Rocky Intertidal communities due to natural shifts or human induced causes. She is currently a research associate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in a marine chemistry lab with a primary focus on ocean acidification.

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