Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Corresponding author: phang@um.edu.my

Abstract

   Malaysia has an extensive coastline fringed by numerous islands, providing various habitats for the proliferation of seaweeds. The first checklist of the marine benthic algae in Malaysia was published in 1991, together with a historical account of phycological research in the region. Regular collections of seaweeds resulted in several updates reporting new records and new species. The tally of Malaysian marine algae stands at 375 specific and infraspecific taxa.
The last two decades have seen an increased interest in the commercial use of seaweeds, especially Eucheuma, Kappaphycus and Gracilaria. Eucheuma and Kappaphycus are cultured in Sabah where two factories for production of semi-refined carrageenan have been established. The inventory of Malaysian seaweeds continues. Ecological information is scarce and therefore biomass assessments of natural seaweed areas, productivity determination and phenological studies of important species should be encouraged. Only then can the status of the seaweed flora of Malaysia be assessed, and threatened species and habitats be identified.