Algae and the VIMS Lab at Wachapreague

Pictured: Stacy Krueger-Hadfield engages teaching assistants and undergraduate students enrolled in Field Studies in the Coastal Marine Environments course, which now includes a phycological component. Photo by James Loving.

By Linda Cicoira

Algae are responsible for most of the oxygen we breathe. The seemingly simple organisms play pivotal roles in the habitats in which they thrive and are culturally important in coastal communities worldwide.

Renowned phycologist Stacy Krueger-Hadfield, an associate professor and assistant director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science lab in Wachapreague, said, “A better understanding of the different processes controlling algal reproduction” is needed, “which may also carry the potential to unlock key mysteries about life.”

“They are far more than pond scum,” the scientist said.

Phycology, also known as algology, is the scientific study of algae, a diverse group of aquatic plants vital to many ecosystems. The photosynthetic organisms use chlorophyll to turn carbon dioxide and water into food. They are the primary food source for many creatures, including zooplankton and shellfish. Algae are also used in many human foods and products, such as iodine and agar. They are used as binding agents because of their elastic properties.

“They have the potential to play pivotal roles in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and other pressing issues such as the development of biofuels, biodegradable replacements for plastics, and sustainable food sources,” the scientist said.

In the last year, Krueger-Hadfield, five faculty members from William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS, and students in Krueger-Hadfield’s research program published 15 articles in scientific journals related to algae.

Despite all the studying, there are fundamental challenges to unlocking many of the remaining secrets.
“There are so many critical gaps in our knowledge of algae biology and ecology,” said Krueger-Hatfield. “Algae themselves are one of the worst-defined groups of organisms … We classify animals in one group and mushrooms in another, but animals are more closely related to mushrooms than some algae are to each other.”

She continued, “To add insult to injury, we are essentially separated by a common language in which terminology is not necessarily shared or used in the same way, slowing collective progress.”

A recent paper focused on the relevance and potential of algae in contributing to environmental and societal solutions, the need for stronger connections between research and education to prepare future scientists, the importance of outreach and education in fostering public awareness, solving complex problems in algal systems through interdisciplinary collaborations, adapting to a rapidly changing world regarding technological advancement and climate change, and strategies for enhancing the field’s impact.

The latter includes industry partnerships, community-based projects, and the development of policy frameworks acknowledging the importance of algae.

    The reproductive adaptability of algae was the focus of one of the studies examining the spread of an invasive green alga in Hawaii. The scientists discovered evidence of multiple sets of chromosomes or polyploidy.

“By identifying these traits, environmental managers can develop strategies to help limit the spread of invasive species,” said Krueger-Hadfield.

Krueger-Hadfield emphasizes the need to engage students about the importance of algae in a variety of ecosystems. The approach was exemplified in studies documenting the distribution of freshwater red algae found in rivers and streams in the Eastern U.S. and the Great Lakes.

Krueger-Hadfield and students at her former institution, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, were the first to document the population genetics of these algae that can serve as important bellwethers for monitoring pollutants.

“Algae are critical … in aquatic environments with benefits to people and communities,” said Krueger-Hadfield. “Students play an important role in facilitating this research and engaging the public in relevant ways.”

Popular undergraduate marine science field courses now use a phycological component. Krueger-Hadfield is discussing the possibility of expanded course offerings in phycology at Wachapreague. Her lab is planning studies on algal flora from the Mid-Atlantic to the Antarctic Peninsula.

      “The Batten School & VIMS has a unique focus on coastal and marine ecosystems in which algae are critical components,” she said. “With strong philanthropic support and an expanding focus on academics and global impact, I’m optimistic about future opportunities to make important scientific contributions while mentoring new generations of scientists who can help unlock algae’s true potential.”