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Integrated morphological and molecular analyses of Polysiphonia species revealed that two western Atlantic species identified as P. denudata and P. urceolata (=P. stricta) represent undescribed taxa. Polysiphonia schneideri sp. nov. is proposed for specimens previously referred to P. denudata that are ecorticate and have six (5–7) pericentral cells, lateral branches that arise in the axils of trichoblasts, rhizoids cut-off from pericentral cells, trichoblasts irregularly arranged and not on every segment, spermatangial stichidia forming as a furcation of trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia arranged in straight series. Polysiphonia kapraunii sp. nov. is proposed for specimens previously referred to P. urceolata (=P. stricta) that are ecorticate and have four pericentral cells, lateral branches that replace trichoblasts, rhizoids in open connection with pericentral cells, trichoblasts irregularly arranged and not on every segment, spermatangial stichidia forming as a furcation of trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia arranged in straight series. Phylogenetic analyses of rbcL show that the newly described species are unique and clearly distinct from the species with which they had previously been identified.

In the Hawaiian Islands, many species of marine macroalgae are eaten by people, as well as by many marine herbivores, notably Hawaiian green sea turtles. The total dietary fiber (TDF) content, which may affect the palatability, digestibility, and nutritional value of seaweed, was determined for 26 species (15 Rhodophyta, 5 Phaeophyta, and 6 Chlorophyta) using an enzymaticgravimetric procedure. The highest TDF (dry weight) values were found in the following three native Hawaiian species: Ahnfeltiopsis concinna 59.8%, Gayralia oxysperma 55.8%, and Sargassum obtusifollium 53.7%. Codium reediae contained the lowest amount of TDF (23.5% dry weight). Thirteen species contained more TDF than wheat bran.

In Hawaii, many species of marine algae are eaten by people, as well as by green sea turtles, reef fish, shore crabs and other herbivorous invertebrates. The Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) content was determined for 30 species (17 Rhodophyta, 4 Phaeophyta, and 9 Chlorophyta) using an enzymatic‐gravimetric procedure. Overall, the seaweeds were rich in fiber. TDF values ranged from 58.48% dry wt. in Ahnfeltiopsis concinna (J. Agardh) Silva et DeCew to 12.80% dry wt. in Codium reediae Silva.