Scientist’s lifelong obsession with mystery of elusive ‘pink zebra’ seaweed
Scientists have confirmed that a tiny pink-striped seaweed, first spotted by Prof Christine Maggs during her PhD 40 years ago, is a species previously unknown to science. The finding highlights the biodiversity of UK maerl beds—ancient, coral-like seaweed habitats—and shows how long-term observation and improved genetic methods can resolve scientific mysteries.
The seaweed was rediscovered during a Natural England survey of maerl beds in Cornwall, where marine biologist Francis Bunker collected enough material to send to Prof Maggs. She grew the sample in a wine fridge before DNA sequencing, carried out with Prof Beatriz de Barros Barreto, confirmed it was distinct; a specimen has now been added to the Natural History Museum collection.
- A 40-year search confirmed a rare pink seaweed is a new species.
- The sample was found in Cornwall’s biodiverse maerl beds.
- DNA sequencing finally established the seaweed’s identity.