The seaweeds of Iran

The aim of this study was to identify seaweeds in the southern coasts of Iranian waters and providing an atlas. The collecting and identification of seaweeds in the southern coasts of Iranian waters were carried out from October 2001 to September 2003. Data on vegetation were gathered in sub tidal and intertidal zones by seasonal and monthly sampling, respectively. Samples were transferred to the laboratory and fixed in 4% formalin. The marine algae were recognized according to some references. In addition, the herbarium sheet and algal photos were obtained. For final approval, the prepared samples were sent to scientific centers of America, China and Pakistan. About 180 species have been collected in this research up to this time, 165 species have been identified and confirmed and the others are going to be identified. Among 165 identified species were 83 red algae species, 41 green algae species, 40 brown algae species and one blue-green algea species. The most important identified seaweed families are Ulvaceae and Caulerpaceae belong to green algae, Sargassaceae belong to brown algae and Gracilariaceae, Gelidiaceae and Hypneaceae belong to red algae that have a lot to applications in feeding, industry and medical sciences fields.