Still uncharted waters: Are we truly advancing in molecular studies of green and brown macroalgae (Ulvophyceae and Phaeophyceae) in Brazil?

Despite the ecological importance of marine macroalgae, molecular studies on green and brown algae in Brazil remain limited in scope and continuity. This review presents a scientometric analysis of DNA sequences deposited in GenBank from 1998 to 2023, focusing on Brazilian specimens of Ulvophyceae and Phaeophyceae. We identified 304 sequences: 202 from Ulvophyceae and 102 from Phaeophyceae, produced by 17 institutions, with only six of these being Brazilian. The data reveal regional asymmetries, with most contributions concentrated in Southeastern and Northeastern regions of Brazil. Although more than 40 molecular markers have been employed, the most common were rbcL, tufA, and cox1. The absence of specimen voucher codes and incomplete metadata in many submissions highlights significant challenges in data quality and reproducibility. Compared to red algae (Rhodophyta), for which thousands of sequences exist, green and brown macroalgae remain understudied. Our findings underscore the urgent need to invest in researcher training, strengthen institutional collaboration, and improve the quality and sampling coverage of molecular data. Such actions are crucial for advancing the taxonomy, systematics, and conservation of Brazilian macroalgal biodiversity.

Keywords:
biodiversity; DNA barcoding; Genbank; scientometric analysis; seaweed