Scientists have discovered four new species of limu in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument that were collected in depths not typically known for marine algae.

The findings are described in an article in the latest issue of the Journal of Phycology.

Lead author Heather Spalding, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hawaii Department of Botany, and other scientists from UH and the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories spent several years studying samples collected by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration divers from 2013 to 2015, and from past expeditions dating back to 2006.

The samples were collected at depths between 200 and 400 feet.

Through DNA testing, the researchers determined that despite very similar appearance the species were different from limu palahalaha, commonly known as sea lettuce, which is found in shallow Hawaiian waters.

“If you picked up one of these algae on the beach, you couldn’t tell if it was from a nearby rock or washed up from the deep — the species look that similar,” Spalding said.

The scientists consulted with Native Hawaiian community leaders to come up with meaningful names for the new species. One of the newly discovered limu has been named Ulva iliohaha, a reference to the foraging behavior of the Hawaiian monk seal (ilioholokauaua).

The team anticipates that more new species will be discovered in the area.

“These findings redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii, and hint at the great number of other new species that are likely to be discovered in the future from these amazing deep-water reefs,” said Daniel Wagner, a Papahanaumokuakea research specialist with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Proposals seek albizia removal

HILO >> Two lawmakers are pushing legislation that would deal with invasive albizia trees, thousands of which fell and caused damage during Tropical Storm Iselle in August 2014.

Puna Democrat Sen. Russell Ruderman and Kailua-Kona Democrat Rep. Nicole Lowen have proposed companion bills that call for trees to be removed from highway rights of way while treating those that are nonhazardous with a pesticide, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.

The $5 million in funding for the plan would apply only to controlling the invasive tree on Hawaii island.

“What we are learning from our current research is that these control actions with albizia will work, either by cutting and herbiciding all of it or some of it, and killing nonhazard trees when you can,” said U.S. Forest Service ecologist Flint Hughes. “If and when you’re able to do that, the techniques employed now are effective — not only in killing them, but in maintaining those areas as albizia-free.”

Both bills had their first readings Jan. 27 and are not yet scheduled for committee hearings.