Revised checklist of green algae of the Barents and White Seas (Arctic Ocean) supplied with species distribution and detailed bibliography

Abstract

At present, the marine flora of the Arctic is insufficiently studied. The lists of the green algae of the Barents and White Seas can be found in many publications, but numerous data require verification. The revised checklist is developed via comprehensive bibliographic research, detailed verification of all records, and correction of inaccuracies. The updated checklist comprises 61 species of green algae, with 60 species belonging to the Barents Sea flora, and 49 species to the White Sea flora. Sixty-three names and relative taxonomic entities were excluded from the updated list being doubtful records or misidentifications. Distribution of each species within the study area is presented, with 27 species being the most widespread. The green algal species richness decreases as the latitude increases. More than 1,000 specimens of 35 species of green algae collected from the Barents and White Seas are stored in the Komarov Botanical Institute (St. Petersburg, Russia); they are a promising resource for verifications of algal flora using molecular genetic methods. This study addresses the challenges associated with conducting a comprehensive revision of green algal biodiversity at the current stage of research.