Ulva stenophylla

Sea Auger

14 July 2022

Wickaninnish Beach, Pacific Ocean, outer coast of Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada.

Tide: -0.3 feet at 07:49 PDT (measured at Ucluelet Tidal Station)

Conditions: Overcast, calm, sea smooth to rippled, low westerly swell, humidity 90%, 11˚C.

Moon: Waning Gibbous (98.4%, 16 days); Previous Phase, Full Moon, 13 July 2022 at 11:37am PDT: Next Phase, Third Quarter, 20 July 2022 at 7:18am PDT.

Figure 1: Ulva stenophylla, Sea Auger, in hand for size perspective, this is a younger/smaller set of individuals. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27273 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Figure 2: For comparison, in hand is a larger more mature specimen of Ulva stenophylla. The ‘plane’ midsection of the long blade is evident along with the ruffled margins. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27274 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Person 1:

Bright green – stands out against neighboring browns and reds, particularly from a distance. Demands attention and closer inspection.

Likes to float above others, rise above others, superior.

Likes space, doesn’t like entanglement, wants to be free.

Not happy if hanging down, doesn’t like the force of gravity. Thalli prefer to spread out over a flatter surface.

In water, they seem to maintain a bit of space, like a loose school of fish.

Strong sense of “like” and “dislike”. Sure of its choices and preferences. Doesn’t analyse the impacts of these choices – it’s automatic.

The spiral or corkscrew-like pattern is obvious, particularly when under water. The appearance is quite regular in pattern, very much like an auger used to bore holes / tunnels.

Not tightly wound like a screw, the spirals are more spaced / stretched out like an auger.

Boring, a couple of concepts:

Boring – forcing its way through, persistent, unrelenting.

Boring – (YAWN), uninteresting to others, not really available to others, absorbed and intently engaged in own activities.

Zones out to the outside world when not interested in what’s happening around them or when things proceed more slowly than preferred. Almost fell asleep while looking at photographs of this seaweed with Person 2 when the pace felt slow.

Strong ego, self-important, not particularly perceptive of the desires or needs of others.

Figure 3: A view of the shoreline exposed on this lowest of summer tides. The foreground has some long sprays of brown algae, Feather Boa and Ribbon kelps, and also is profusely patterned by many bright green Ulva stenophylla algae. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27275 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Figure 4: Turned to view another angle of the same sandy area as seen in Figure 3, features revealed, including nature of the substrate and exposure to flow of ocean currents, suggest that possibly the vast sand beach at Wickaninnish provides enough material to ‘blanket’ a low lying rocky surface here. And it does so completely, such that it looks as if these algae are growing in sand when none of them regularly do – they are all lithophytes or epiphytes. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27276 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Person 2:

At this very low summer tide we came to explore the vast sand beach at Wickaninnish near where it is cradled by rocky headlands. This is a different kind of intertidal habitat than we usually have access to explore and the shoreline here is exposed to the open seas of the eastern edge of the northern Pacific Ocean.

With overcast skies and only gentle early morning light, a new seaweed species truly stood out.

Bright, almost lit from within, lime green in color, this macro alga was quite abundant in the lowest and most recently exposed areas. There were numerous long and slender strands of it growing here.

Adding to the distinctive shade of green was one other conspicuous feature – all along the length of the thalli this seaweed grows in such a way that its overall appearance is that of a continuous spiral or corkscrew. Whether 30 cm long or 130 cm long, this pattern of growth was present and it is unmistakably evident when the seaweed is immersed.

I laughed to myself when I first considered the long reaches this seaweed seems to be making – reaching out, longer and longer; the thought that generated my laughter was “Oh my, it seems that Ulva stenophylla really has places to get to!”

This feeling was a notable contrast to the overall feel for the morning which felt restful in its calm and tranquil nature. It is truly uncommon to be “up to the tops of your rubber boots” in the waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean and be surrounded with such stillness and peace. So today seemed perfect to highlight how distinctly different from that Ulva stenophylla’s energy can be.

It is interesting to note that ‘pacific’ as an adjective means peaceful in character or intent. So we have our ocean named for that and our weather totally epitomizing that, and we had our new seaweed firmly expressing the energy of, “I’m busy”, “I’ve got places to go”, “Just move along, please”, and “I need my space here.” Ulva stenophylla seemed oblivious to conditions around it…, so intently absorbed it seemed to be with its own efforts.

Interestingly, our new acquaintance Ulva stenophylla was not only saying that to us, true interlopers in this environment, Sea Auger seemed to take the same ‘attitude’ with its neighboring macro algae. Some sand tolerant Laminara were growing here – caramel brown flags rising out of the sand, as were a few thalli of the larger kelp species, Alaria marginata and Egregia menziesii. With regard to those other seaweeds, Ulva stenophylla also gave them almost no notice.

I was quite struck by the beauty of Ulva stenophylla’s morphology. As I admired it, I realized that this is another thing that is given almost no notice by our seaweed in question. It is as if the long, bright green, regularly ruffled, auger-like blades are the natural, and therefore only possible, result of combining ‘Ulva-style’ cell growth, geometry and hydrodynamics. This form is functional, and as a bonus of good design, also strikingly beautiful.

Ulva stenophylla itself cares only about the function. With its unrelenting and pressing need to get on with its goals, function definitely trumps all other considerations.

In order to proceed well in its goals, Sea Auger also seems to need space to move. So while its focus is strong, it also does not want to be interrupted. Therefore if others would kindly just keep clear, keep their distance and not attempt to interact, this would suit Ulva stenophylla’s objectives very well. If there is any proximity that should actually occur, it looks as if Ulva stenophylla tries its best to stay separate, detached and uninvolved.

I observed on the sand here that as the tide went out Sea Auger lies on the very top of any other algae and does not compress down on flat substrate nearly as much as you might expect. It is as if Ulva stenophylla set down and surrendered to exposure and waterless-ness only at the last possible moment. Also, it appears that Ulva stenophylla will be the very first to be able take up its efforts and carry on once again – just as soon as the tide returns.

Figure 5: Ulva stenophylla lying atop a bed of surfgrass, Phyllospadix scouleri. This species of surfgrass grows on rock of the mid-intertidal to shallow subtidal but its roots and rhizomes are often covered with sand. This is a plant that thrives along exposed coasts and in moderate to strong surf. Ulva stenophylla has been noted to grow epiphytically on surfgrass and in this photo we also see (the orangey-brown and burgundy raggedy fringes) of another algae, this time a red algae, Smithora naiadum; it is also an epiphyte on the surfgrass. The Smithora’s movement is much more defined by that of the surfgrass, whereas the long thalli of Ulva stenophylla have a whole reach of their own. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27277 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Figure 6: This view of the intertidal bathymetry/landscape reveals some of the delimiting factors for the occurrence of various seaweed species. On the large boulder in the foreground we can see broad, darker green sprays of a higher intertidal Ulva species, likely Ulva lactuca, and rimming the distant much larger and taller hump of rock in the back/center of the photo, this darker green Ulva band repeats (at the same tidal elevation). Also across the water and between the boulder and the distant rock hump, there is a low lying area which has an expanse of notably lighter and brighter green algae that is growing in association with the surfgrass at this lower tide level – this bright green ‘patch’ is Ulva stenophylla. There are some small patches of this bright green on the surfgrass at the extreme right of the photo also. In the intertidal zone, plus or minus 20 or 30 centimeters can mean the difference between one species thriving and another one being unable to. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27278 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Discussion:

One of the important distinctions for this Whispering was identifying to species the Ulva we were interacting with. The morphology, and more importantly the purpose of that shape, proved to be central to this determination. There is a ‘Corkscrew’ Sea Lettuce, Ulva taeniata, and then we have this Ulva, Ulva stenophylla – which we have named “Sea Auger”. Although superficially they might look similar, the differences between a corkscrew and an auger are appreciable – the same is true of their seaweed counterparts. A corkscrew is tightly wound, and the whole length and entire form of the metal is spiral in shape; its purpose is to grab and hold. Whereas the purpose of an auger is to ‘bore or drill through’ something and while it is doing so there is a flow of material coming back the opposite direction that the auger is moving. With an auger there is a straight central shaft that has a broad helical flange; these devices bore holes and tunnels and move material. A corkscrew doesn’t move anything, indeed it tries to not ‘break’ the cork, but simply provide sufficient anchoring so that the cork can be pulled from the bottle.

With Ulva stenophylla there certainly is ‘movement’. There is the strong concept of ‘direction’ or directed effort, and this seaweed’s particular way to occupy space in the ocean feels notably ‘horizontal’ in nature.

Interacting with Sea Auger when immersed in the ocean, there was an experience that is truly particular to its morphology – the deep ruffles, occurring at regular intervals, truly create a dynamic interaction with water. Reflecting on that it seems that result is both greater surface area for nutrient gathering and a unique type of floatation effect. In other seaweeds, notably the kelps, flotation is aided with pneumatocysts (gas filled floats). In Ulva stenophylla, the ‘lift’ it achieves is due to the spiral-looking auger shape and hydrodynamics. Effective indeed, this floatation does not give the true vertical reach as is seen in seaweeds such as Macrocystis pyrifera (Giant Perennial Kelp), but for Sea Auger is suitably sufficient to keep it aloft horizontally above the ocean floor.

Ulva stenophylla does not have a mid-rib (no backbone or spine), instead it has a flat, plane surface all along the middle between its ruffled margins, and so it seems that this seaweed partners with the ocean waters and that partnership is what creates its ‘backbone’. No wonder Sea Auger is unhappy when left stranded at high tide. It feels as if this species has truly learned the properties of water and uses them, relies on them, ventures out on long journeys with them, with complete and total trust. There is work to do, chosen endeavors to pursue, and this unfailing configuration of physical properties – the partnership between algae and seawater, is the fundamental interaction which allows for progress.

So, this horizontal reach of Ulva stenophylla’s, it has some interesting traits. There is a determination to it and as just discussed, a strong direction. Interacting with and following along with that determination and direction some questions arose:

Just where and when will you stop, Sea Auger?

Do your efforts seem endless to you?

Ah, perhaps they are not even viewed by you as “efforts”?

Your continuous spiraled morphology holds you on course, but how do you recognize when you are “there”, when you’ve reached your goal?

It seems that Ulva stenophylla can be so absorbed in its purposeful reach and that there is such a consistently strong drive behind that, that maybe it is not very practiced at knowing when or where and how to stop. That only an overwhelmingly powerful force, such as the moon’s gravitational tug on the oceans of the world can compel Sea Auger to lie down for a moment to pause?

Perhaps being “stopped” is one of the most troublesome states for Sea Auger to endure.

This ‘horizontal’ theme arose in another significant way. At the site where we interacted with this seaweed, Ulva stenophylla grew only lower in the intertidal zone than the much shorter, broader and typically darker green Ulva lactuca. It appeared as if there is a quite ‘narrow horizontal band’ in the intertidal zone where this seaweed can live. It does well within this ‘band’ but not elsewhere; others do well elsewhere, but not so well where Sea Auger is thriving.

Another question arises:

Ulva stenophylla are you reachable only on a narrow “bandwidth” of communication?

It seems this might also be true as is reflected in your taking little notice of others or the weather or your surroundings, and so forth. So absorbed and intent is your focus that outside contact possibly needs to signal to you in exactly the right frequencies?

And your ability to grow lower in the intertidal zone suggests that you can make do with less sunlight than other green algae relatives. As opportunistic annuals, many green seaweed species grow high up in the intertidal where there is abundant sunlight; they are, in effect, the seaweeds that manage their photosynthetic processes most similarly to the land plants that they are proximal to. Ulva stenophylla, with its ability to survive and even thrive a bit deeper underwater where light penetration is weaker, well, this may highlight another trait – that of tenacity and perseverance when circumstances are less than ideal, marginal or even very difficult.

Notable in this species is its interaction with the water; it is as if this alga is boring through, as a result of its own auger shape, and dynamically moving the water along its length. We wonder, Sea Auger, if your morphology was compromised in some way, perhaps a few spirals / ruffles in the auger design were damaged, or maybe they were not of sufficient dimensions to keep your long form in balance, then would you suffer harm or possibly even perish, Ulva stenophylla? Or, instead would you be faced with having to consider some adaptations, a change of course, or possibly a new goal?

Is this one of the costs of your detached ‘separation’ and singular focus? How you determinedly keep to your own course, but also possibly move right on past other workable or even better opportunities.

Is your driven nature somewhat blinding, a bit too tunnel-visioned, at times, Ulva stenophylla?

You do have a strong gift – the ability to incessantly strive towards success at goals that are quite specifically charted and well delineated, but your area of growth may be to learn when to ease off on the ‘gas pedal’ so to speak, take in some external signals, and learn how to redirect yourself, modify your course and possibly change your pace…, and then see where that gets you to, Sea Auger.

Figure 7: A few long reaches of Ulva stenophylla are seen here alongside some Laminaria kelp blades. Despite the view through sand-obfuscated water, hopefully the dynamic interaction that these green algae have with the seawater is discernable. Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada. July 14, 2022. Photo ID 27279 ©Seaweedwhisperings.com

Biology & Natural History Information:

Description:

Bright green blades are simple, elongated, lanceolate in shape, tapering abruptly at the base to a very short, flattened, cuneate stipe. Blades 50 to 80 cm in length and 5 to 10 cm wide are plane in the middle with undulate margins.

Habitat:

On rocks or epiphytically on seagrass in the lower littoral to subtidal belt.

Distribution:

The geographic range of various Ulva species a topic of current and continuing research. Ulva stenophylla has been documented (by molecular studies) as present in the northeast Pacific along with at least 11 other species. Many species in this genus are more widely distributed than previously recognized.

Remarks:

When originally described in 1920 by Setchell & Gardner, their comment was that Ulva stenophylla is quite distinct from other species of Ulva and that their long, lanceolate shape serves to distinguish them “at a glance”. They also mention the texture as being “tough” and this description is accurate within the Ulva genus – outside of that clade, comparisons would be worded quite differently. The ‘tough’ nature though, added to the long, lanceolate shape, does set this Ulva apart from most others.

Classification:

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Ulvophyceae

Order: Ulvales

Family: Ulvaceae

Genus: Ulva

Species: Ulva stenophylla Setchell & N.L.Gardner 1920

Former name(s): none