Coralline Algae: Globally Distributed Ecosystem Engineers

Coralline algae have come to the forefront of current research efforts due to their expected susceptibility to global climate change-induced ocean acidification, and more recently, due to their use as paleo-ecological proxies and potentially large contribution to carbon sequestration. Yet, our understanding of coralline algae remains limited, partly due to cryptic diversity, unique morphology and growth patterns, and an incomplete understanding of calcification and its relationship to photosynthesis in these organisms.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions related to all aspects of coralline algae biology, geology, physiology, ecology, microbiology, chemical ecology, taxonomy and biogeography. Contributions relating to taxonomic resolution, global change effects, paleo-reconstruction, calcification mechanisms, and carbon fluxes of coralline algal and/or rhodolith beds are encouraged. Additionally, contributions focusing on coralline algae as holobionts and the chemical interactions between coralline algae and microbial communities are especially welcome.

Investigating the role of coralline algae as holobionts will be an important step to elucidating how coralline algae and their microbial communities affect small and large scale elemental cycling, and how these processes may be affected by future environmental changes. Contributions reviewing the current status and progress of research on coralline algae are also welcome. Any contributions reporting recorded changes in the local, regional or large-scale distribution of coralline algae are of special interest.