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. 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.
Currently serves as assistant professor in Departamento de Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción.
more details in http://www.algalecology.com
