ABSTRACT
In tracking the establishment and spread of C. fragile ssp. tomentosoides, ssp. scandinavicum, and ssp. atlanticum, phycologists in the past have focused their attention almost exclusively on macroscopic differentiated thalli. Given the capacity of the species to persist as undifferentiated filaments on any hard surface, we need to broaden our perspective to include both life stages. Thus, the microscopic inspection of shellfish, particularly bivalves, is imperative when transplanting maricultural animals between locales. Research should also explore chemical methods to destroy these coenocytic stages on shellfish and ship hulls. Finally, future research should expand on the studies of Borden & Stein (1969), Ramus (1972), and Steele (1975) to address the environmental conditions under which C. fragile differentiates from mats of unconsolidated coenocytic filaments to macroscopic thalli.
