Scientists identify new species of deep-water limu

Here's a look at different types of microalgae in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Image:...
Here's a look at different types of microalgae in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Image: University of Hawaii)
Updated: Aug. 16, 2018 at 4:30 PM HST
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii researchers are working to identify new types of deep-water limu from across the islands, and they've already found two new species.

The team of scientists from the University of Hawaii, Bishop Museum and Australia is analyzing about 2,000 specimens from limu beds as deep as 600 feet from Kure Atoll to the Big Island.

They expect to ID more than 60 previously unknown species.

The marine algaes have all kinds of uses, from toothpaste to paints to biofuels.

The study is funded by a nearly $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

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