Marine macroalgal reference culture collection at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MMARCC): Status and prospects for advancing Philippine phycology

Abstract

Seaweeds research in the Philippines-from studies on their diversity, natural products chemistry, and the utilization of their derivatives-is largely based on spot collections of large and conspicuous components of the seaweed flora found along the coasts. Such efforts are often focused on commercially important seaweeds; thus, most of the smaller and even microscopic seaweeds remain understudied, if not completely overlooked. Consequently, little to none is known on many aspects of the biology, ecology, and even biochemistry of these components of the Philippine seaweed flora. To understand aspects of seaweed biology and serve as a facility for preserving the genetic resources of Philippine seaweeds, we established the Marine Macroalgal Reference Culture Collection at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MMARCC). We are currently maintaining 446 seaweed strains (or isolates) collected from several coastal and offshore areas in the Philippines, the latter including the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, and 25 isolates from Okinawa, Japan. To our knowledge, the UP-MMARCC is the most diverse and widely sampled culture collection in the Philippines so far. Moreover, our preliminary molecular-assisted biodiversity studies suggest that UP-MMARCC houses several isolates that are either new records to the Philippines or putative new taxa. We anticipate that with continued support, we will be able to sustain and expand our culture collection, not only to facilitate discoveries but also to cater to the needs of the Philippine seaweed industry and in support of its call for diversifying our seaweed commodities and their products.