Forty years ago, marine biologist Professor Christine Maggs found a tiny piece of unusual pink-striped seaweed off the coast of the UK. She suspected it was a completely new species, but she could not find enough of it to prove her theory. For decades, the elusive plant remained a scientific mystery.
Now, after more than four decades of searching, the mystery has finally been solved. Scientific divers surveying rare underwater habitats in Cornwall recently discovered new samples of the pink-banded algae. They sent the samples to Professor Maggs in London, who kept them in a specialized wine fridge to grow enough material for DNA testing.
Working alongside genetic experts, Professor Maggs confirmed that the seaweed is indeed a new species unknown to science. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of maerl beds—ancient carpets of calcified seaweed that provide vital shelters and nursery grounds for marine life. A sample of the newly identified seaweed has now been added to the official collection at the Natural History Museum.