Genotype introduction affects population composition of native Philippine Kappaphycus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

We present evidence on the presence of introduced red seaweed Kappaphycus cultivar in native Kappapphycus populations in Hoyanjog Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. This is the first actual report that native populations of Kappaphycus in the Philippines may possibly face genotype shifting from native to introduced. Our findings call for a challenge in conservation laws to design resource management strategies and to regulate Kappaphycus farming in sites where there are known native Kappaphycus genotypes.