Future Prospects of Algal Conservation through GenBank and Bioinformatics

Abstract

Algae, encompassing a wide range of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic species, play a vital ecological role in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They display traits that combine features of both plants and animals and are classified into distinct groups based on pigment composition and morphological characteristics. Historically valued for centuries, algae today have diverse industrial, agricultural, nutritional, and energy-related applications, including the production of fertilizers, biofuels, bio-based polymers, and as a sustainable food source. However, marine algae—particularly calcifying macroalgae—are increasingly threatened by pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and ocean acidification. These stressors collectively impair algal growth, reproduction, and the stability of ecosystems they support. To mitigate these risks, ex situ conservation strategies such as algal culture collections are being advanced. Strengthened by innovations in molecular systematics and cryopreservation, these repositories form a cornerstone in safeguarding algal biodiversity. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning approaches and genomic databases provides new opportunities to refine conservation efforts by enabling the inclusion or exclusion of particular algal taxa. Continuous development in these fields underscores the importance of keeping scientific communities and stakeholders informed of progress.