Seaweeds refer to a group of primitive marine plants made up of three groups of macroalgae, namely brown algae, red algae and green algae. Seaweeds play an important role in carbon flow and nutrient recycling in the marine ecosystem. They are also important nursery grounds which provide shelters and food for many different marine lives.
Seaweeds can be found in Hong Kong year-round but abundance and species composition vary significantly among seasons. Different species have their own growing cycle. Some could persist throughout the year and others could be found only in certain seasons. Generally, the seasonality of seaweeds in Hong Kong demonstrates an annual cycle, from peak season in spring to low season in late summer-early autumn.
A total of 264 seaweed species have been recorded in Hong Kong, including 82 brown algae, 141 red algae and 41 green algae.
