Coralline algal nodules off Fraser Island, eastern Australia

Summary Calcareous red algal nodules growing on mobile substrates have been sampled from 28 to 117m off Fraser Island in southern Queensland, eastern Australia. This is a subtropical, transitional area between the tropical Great Barrier Reef to the north and temperate, cooler waters to the south. Red algal nodules are the most common components in bioclastic gravels that extend from about 50 to 110 m and locally cover 40–50% of the seafloor. Variations in the overall character and floristic composition of the nodules with depth can be observed. Algal nodules comprise algal covered pebbles/cobbles and rhodoliths in depths shallower than 60 m whereas only rhodoliths occur in deeper settings. No changes in nodule shape occur but shallower algal nodules have larger mean size with higher standard deviation than the deeper ones (39.2 vs. 30.5 mm and 20.5 vs. 6.3 mm s.d.). Living and subrecent red algae in nodules shallower than 60 m are mainly Melobesioideae and peyssonneliaceans with minor Lithophylloideae and Mastophoroideae. Most plants belong to a few species of the generaPhymatolithon andLithothamnion. Below 68 m, rhodoliths are dominated by the family Sporolithaceae, melobesioids and peyssonneliaceans.Sporolithon is the main component below 80 m. Algal growth forms are mostly smooth encrusting to warty with no depth variation. Maximum plant thickness, however, decreases with increasing depth. Thallus thickness in the deeper water samples is more than three times smaller than in those from shallower waters. These data are important for understanding the paleoenvironmental context of deposition of the abundant coralline algal limestones with similar algal nodules found in the geological record.     

THE GENESIS OF CONDENSED SEQUENCES IN THE TETHYAN JURASSIC

Pelagic limestones of the west Sicilian Middle Jurassic are used as type examples in this examination of Tethyan condensed sequences. Two main processes were involved in the genesis of this type of deposit: stratigraphic condensation (minimal sediment input) and reworking. The lack of nannoplankton during most of the Jurassic caused stratigraphic condensation, and the particular environment in which these beds were deposited – that of topographic high – was considerably influenced by currents; thus reworking led to a further reduction in sediment thickness. The presence of algal stromatolites in certain condensed sequences and the traces of boring algae in associated ferromanganese nodules suggest deposition within the photic zone. A maximum depth of 200 metres is inferred. Many features of condensed sequences are comparable with those on Recent seamounts; these include presence of ferromanganese nodules and crusts, mixed faunas, calcarenite lenses, algal biscuits, and evidence of submarine solution and lithification. Jurassic Tethyan condensed sequences can thus be interpreted as ancient seamount deposits.     

Coralline red algal limestones of the late Eocene alpine Foreland Basin in Upper Austria: Component analysis, facies and palecology

Summary Late Eocene sediments of the Upper Austrian Alpine Foreland Basin discordantly overlie Mesozoic and crystalline rocks, which are deeply eroded and form a distinct pre-Eocene relief. Late Eocene deposits contain red algal limestones with a remarkable lateral extent and a high diversity of sedimentary facies. Towards the south the algal limestones change into more clastic sediments, which are characterized by larger foraminifera and bryozoans. Main components are coralline algal branches and detritus, coralline crusts, rhodoliths, peyssonneliacean aggregates and crusts, nummulitid and orthophragminid foraminifera, corals, bryozoans, as well as terrigenous components. Rank correlation and factor analysis were calculated in order to obtain informations about relations between components. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed the designation of 17 facies, most of them are dominated by coralline algae. Actualistic comparisons and correlations obtained from statistical analyses allowed the reconstruction of the depositional environments. Main features of the northern area are huge accumulations of unattached coralline algae (branches, rhodoliths, detritus), which are comparable to the present-day “Maerl”-facies. They formed loose frameworks cut by sand channels. The frequency of coralline detritus decreases upsection. Peyssonneliacean algae in higher parts of the profiles show growth-forms that are comparable to peyssonneliaceans of the Mediterranean circalittoral soft bottoms. This succession can be interpreted by an increasing relative sea level. Besides, crustose coralline algal frameworks were growing on morphological highs which are partially comparable to the present-day “Coralligéne de Plateau” of the Mediterranean Sea. In contrast to the northern area, sedimentation rate of the southern area is too low to keep up with rising sea level. The typical succession from nummulitid- to orthophragminid-and bryozoan-dominated facies can be interpreted by an increasing water depth from shallowest subtidal to the deeper photic zone and finally to the aphotic zone.     

Halysitid tabulates: sponges in corals' clothing

Abundant pyritic pseudomorphs of monaxonic siliceous spicules (ophirhabds and ?heloclones) have been found entrapped in the calcareous skeleton of the halysitid tabulate Quepora ?agglomeratiformis (Whitfield) from late Ordovician limestones of Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island, Canada. The finding indicates a poriferan (choristid or sublithistid) affinity of halysitids, early Palaeozoic marine fossils related so far to corals. They probably derived from a monaxonic group of early demosponges that adapted during the Ordovician to Ca²⁺ stress conditions in epicontinental seas by excreting the excessive Ca²⁺ influx to their tissues as variously designed chains of basally secreted calcareous tubes.     

A molecular timeline for the origin of photosynthetic eukaryotes

The appearance of photosynthetic eukaryotes (algae and plants) dramatically altered the Earth's ecosystem, making possible all vertebrate life on land, including humans. Dating algal origin is, however, frustrated by a meager fossil record. We generated a plastid multi-gene phylogeny with Bayesian inference and then used maximum likelihood molecular clock methods to estimate algal divergence times. The plastid tree was used as a surrogate for algal host evolution because of recent phylogenetic evidence supporting the vertical ancestry of the plastid in the red, green, and glaucophyte algae. Nodes in the plastid tree were constrained with six reliable fossil dates and a maximum age of 3,500 MYA based on the earliest known eubacterial fossil. Our analyses support an ancient (late Paleoproterozoic) origin of photosynthetic eukaryotes with the primary endosymbiosis that gave rise to the first alga having occurred after the split of the Plantae (i.e., red, green, and glaucophyte algae plus land plants) from the opisthokonts sometime before 1,558 MYA. The split of the red and green algae is calculated to have occurred about 1,500 MYA, and the putative single red algal secondary endosymbiosis that gave rise to the plastid in the cryptophyte, haptophyte, and stramenopile algae (chromists) occurred about 1,300 MYA. These dates, which are consistent with fossil evidence for putative marine algae (i.e., acritarchs) from the early Mesoproterozoic (1,500 MYA) and with a major eukaryotic diversification in the very late Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic, provide a molecular timeline for understanding algal evolution.     

Une “Girvanelle” dulçaquicole du cénomanien du sud-ouest de la France: Girvanella (?) Palustris Colin et Vachard n.sp.

The first discovery in lacustrine limestones from the Cenomanian of the Sarlat area (Dordogne, SW France) of filamentous blue algae tentatively assigned to the genus Girvanella is described. Comparisons are made with other “true” Girvanella and with other fossil and recent fresh-water blue algae. The paleoecological value of this form is discussed.     

Microfacies and diagenesis of an upper oxfordian carbonate buildup in Mydlniki (Cracow Area,Southern Poland)

Summary A carbonate buildup near the top of the Upper Jurassic limestone sequence in the Cracow area with a rigid framework built ofTubiphytes and thrombolites, and some fragments of encrusted siliceous sponges and serpules is described. The limestones form a dome-like elevation at the eastern wall of a 15 m high quarry flanked on both sides by stratified limestones with cherts. Six microfacies have been distinguished within the buildup: (1)Tubiphytes/thrombolite boundstone and (2) bioclasticTubiphytes/thrombolite wackestone dominate in the central and bottom part of the buildup. They gradually replace the cyanobacterial crusts and siliceous sponges (3. sponge-algal boundstone), which are sporadically the rock-forming elements in the basal part of the buildup as well as the top. Serpules randomly distributed within the buildup also form small cm-sized structures with a rigid framework (4. serpula-peloid boundstone). (5) tuberoid-peloid wackestone/floatstone and (6) ooid intraclastic grainstone exhibit no significant distributional pattern. Bioclastic-peloidal packstone comprising material derived from the destruction of the buildup occurs in the highest part of the outcrop, overlying the buildup. The sediments of the buildup were subject to rapid lithification, evidence by borings and neptunian microdykes filled with internal sediments, as well as by fracturedTubiphytes. Numerous petrographic features indicate probable episodic emergence of the buildup during its growth; these include asymmetric dissolution textures, asymmetric cements, vadose crystal silt and calcite pseudomorphs after gypsum. Upper Oxfordian carbonate buildups in the Cracow area display various stages of evolution. The carbonate buildup in Mydlniki most closely resembles classical Upper Jurassic reefs.     

Growth of enterobacteria on algal mats in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland

Model experiments on a possibility that pathogenic enterobacteria Salmonella enteritidis (Gartneri) can grow on decaying algal mats with prevalence of the filamentous algae Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz were carried out. Samples of algal mats have been collected in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. A bacterial culture of Salmonella enteritidis was placed into tubes containing samples of mats. The intensive growth of salmonella was noted in alga samples collected in the freshwater zone (salinity 0.2–1.5‰); growth was practically absent in the samples of algae collected in a zone with salinity 2–3‰, while salmonella remained viable in the control tubes with water without algae. The growth of coliform enterobacteria initially inhabited in the algal mats was discovered in all experiments. Studies carried out in 2009 show that the thickness of the algal mats in the costal zones of the Gulf of Finland reached 20 cm and their biomass reached a few tons per 1 km². These experiments showed that dead algal mats stimulate the growth of enterobacteria in the littoral zone of the Baltic Sea, especially in the freshwater part, and can promote the development of these pathogenic microorganisms.     

Digging deeper: why we need more Proterozoic algal fossils and how to get them

Known Proterozoic algal fossils raise compelling questions about the origin and diversification of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, and their ecological influence in deep time. This Perspectives article describes particular examples of persistent evolutionary and biogeochemical issues whose resolution would be aided by additional algal fossil evidence from Proterozoic deposits, which have been the subjects of recent intensive study. New Proterozoic geosciences literature relevant to the early diversification of algae is surveyed. Previously underappreciated algal traits that might improve taxonomic attributions of fossil remains are highlighted. Processes that phycologists could use to improve detection of algal fossils are recommended. Potential geological sources of new Proterozoic fossils are suggested.     

Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction based on non-geniculate coralline red algal assemblages in Miocene limestone of central Crete

Neogene coastal sediments of the Mediterranean provide an excellent laboratory for a quantitative study of palaeoenvironmental parameters and their response to climate change. In order to examine change in environmental parameters during deposition of Tortonian limestone of southern central Crete, we use integrated field and biofacies analysis together with a detailed study of foraminfera and non-geniculate red algae. Patterns in the relative abundance of non-geniculate coralline red algae are interpreted by comparison with data from modern non-geniculate coralline red algae and with additional information from the studied sediments. Based on these integrated datasets, four red algal associations are identified: a Lithophyllum-dominated association restricted to the upper photic zone in warm-temperate environments, a Lithothamnion-dominated association found in the lower photic zone in warm-temperate environments, a Spongites-dominated association typical for shallow warm-temperate to tropical environments and an association with dominant Mesophyllum which is characteristic for the lower photic zone in warm-temperate to tropical environments. We introduce coralline red algal indices in order to quantify changes in environmental parameters. We recognise four warm intervals within a succession of the Tortonian limestones in southern central Crete. During the most extensive interval, widespread coral carpets formed under prevalent oligotrophic conditions. Analysis of the stratigraphic architecture shows that warm intervals are related to sea-level highstands and therefore may reflect global climatic processes.     

A close look at late carboniferous algal mounds: Schulterkofel,Carnic Alps,Austria

Summary During the uppermost Carboniferous and lowermost Permian algal mounds were formed in inner shelf settings of the Carnic Alps (Austria/Italy). A specific mound type, characterized by the dominance of the dasyclad green alga Anthracoporella was studied in detail with regard to geometry, relationship between mound and intermound rocks, composition of the sediment, biota and diagenetic criteria. The two meter-sized mounds studied, occur within depositional sequences of transgressive systems tracts in the Lower Pseudoschwagerina Limestones (uppermost Gzhelian) at the flank of the Schulterkofel. The mounds consist of an Anthracoporella core facies with a spongecrust boundstone facies at the base and at the top. The massive limestones of the Anthracoporella core facies exhibit abundant algal tufts and bushes, frequently in life position. The limestones of the intermound facies represented by thin-bedded bioclastic wackestones and packstones with abundant phylloid algae underlie and overlie the mounds. Intercalations of intermound beds within the mound facies indicate sporadic disruption of mound growth. Onlapping of intermound beds on steep mound flanks indicate rapid stabilization and lithification of mound flanks and the existence of a positive paleorelief. Asymmetrical shape of the mounds may be current controlled. Mound and intermound biota differ in the prevailing algae but are relatively similar with regard to associated foraminifera. Conspicuous differences concern bioerosion and biogenic encrustations. Bothare, high in intermound areas but low in the Anthracoporella core facies. The mounds show no ecological zonation. The mounds grew by in-place accumulation of disintegrated algal material and trapped bioclastic material between erect algal thalli. The comparison of the various Anthracoporella mounds demonstrates that almost each mound had ist own history. Establishing a general model for these mounds is a hazardous venture.     

Comparative genomics reveals differences in algal galactan biosynthesis and related pathways in early and late diverging red algae

Red algae are a major source of marine sulfated galactans. In this study, orthologs and inparalogs from seven red algae were analyzed and compared with the aim to discover differences in algal galactan biosynthesis and related pathways of these algae. Red algal orthologs for putative carbohydrate sulfotransferases were found to be prevalent in Porphyridium purpureum, Florideophytes and Bangiophytes, while red algal orthologs for putative chondroitin sulfate synthases, sulfurylases, and porphyranases /carrageenases were found exclusively in Florideophytes and Bangiophytes. The acquirement of these genes could have happened after the divergence from Cyanidiales red algae. Cyanidiales red algae were found to have more number and types of putative sulfate permeases, suggesting that these genes could have been acquired in adaptation to the environmental stresses and biogeochemistry of respective habitats. The findings of this study shed lights on the evolution of different homeostasis mechanisms by the early and late diverging red algal orders.     

Localization of attachment area of the symbiotic Chlorella variabilis of the ciliate Paramecium bursaria during the algal removal and reinfection

Chlorella spp. and ciliate Paramecium bursaria share a mutual symbiosis. However, both alga-removed P. bursaria and isolated symbiotic algae can grow independently. Additionally, mixing them experimentally can cause algal reinfection through host phagocytosis. Although the symbiotic algal localization beneath the host cell cortex is a prerequisite phenomenon for maintenance of the relationship of their endosymbiosis, how and where the algae locate beneath the host cell cortex remains unknown. To elucidate this phenomenon, algal distribution patterns during algal removal and reinfection were observed. During algal removal, algae at the host anterior cortex were easier to remove than at the posterior and ventral or dorsal cortex areas. During algal reinfection, the algae after separation from the host digestive vacuoles tended to localize beneath the host ventral or dorsal cortex more readily than that at other cortices. Algae that reinfected trichocyst-removed paramecia didn’t show this localization. Trichocyst-discharge experiments clarified that trichocysts of the anterior cortex are difficult to remove. In 14 strains of P. bursaria, some of the paramecia lacked their symbiotic algae at the anterior cortex. These observations demonstrate that symbiotic algae of P. bursaria are difficult to localize at the anterior cortex and that they are easy to remove from the area.     

RNA-mediated silencing in Algae: biological roles and tools for analysis of gene function

Algae are a large group of aquatic, typically photosynthetic, eukaryotes that include species from very diverse phylogenetic lineages, from those similar to land plants to those related to protist parasites. The recent sequencing of several algal genomes has provided insights into the great complexity of these organisms. Genomic information has also emphasized our lack of knowledge of the functions of many predicted genes, as well as the gene regulatory mechanisms in algae. Core components of the machinery for RNA-mediated silencing show widespread distribution among algal lineages, but they also seem to have been lost entirely from several species with relatively small nuclear genomes. Complex sets of endogenous small RNAs, including candidate microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, have now been identified by high-throughput sequencing in green, red, and brown algae. However, the natural roles of RNA-mediated silencing in algal biology remain poorly understood. Limited evidence suggests that small RNAs may function, in different algae, in defense mechanisms against transposon mobilization, in responses to nutrient deprivation and, possibly, in the regulation of recently evolved developmental processes. From a practical perspective, RNA interference (RNAi) is becoming a promising tool for assessing gene function by sequence-specific knockdown. Transient gene silencing, triggered with exogenously synthesized nucleic acids, and/or stable gene repression, involving genome-integrated transgenes, have been achieved in green algae, diatoms, yellow-green algae, and euglenoids. The development of RNAi technology in conjunction with system level "omics" approaches may provide the tools needed to advance our understanding of algal physiological and metabolic processes.     

Gene replacement of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase supports the hypothesis of a single photosynthetic ancestor of chromalveolates

Plastids (photosynthetic organelles of plants and algae) are known to have spread between eukaryotic lineages by secondary endosymbiosis, that is, by the uptake of a eukaryotic alga by another eukaryote. But the number of times this has taken place is controversial. This is particularly so in the case of eukaryotes with plastids derived from red algae, which are numerous and diverse. Despite their diversity, it has been suggested that all these eukaryotes share a recent common ancestor and that their plastids originated in a single endosymbiosis, the so-called "chromalveolate hypothesis." Here we describe a novel molecular character that supports the chromalveolate hypothesis. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) is a glycolytic and Calvin cycle enzyme that exists as two nonhomologous types, class I and class II. Red algal plastid-targeted FBA is a class I enzyme related to homologues from plants and green algae, and it would be predicted that the plastid-targeted FBA from algae with red algal secondary endosymbionts should be related to this class I enzyme. However, we show that plastid-targeted FBA of heterokonts, cryptomonads, haptophytes, and dinoflagellates (all photosynthetic chromalveolates) are class II plastid-targeted enzymes, completely unlike those of red algal plastids. The chromalveolate enzymes form a strongly supported group in FBA phylogeny, and their common possession of this unexpected plastid characteristic provides new evidence for their close relationship and a common origin for their plastids.     

Phycoremediation coupled production of algal biomass,harvesting and anaerobic digestion: Possibilities and challenges

Biogas produced from anaerobic digestion is a versatile and environment friendly fuel which traditionally utilizes cattle dung as the substrate. In the recent years, owing to its high content of biodegradable compounds, algal biomass has emerged as a potential feedstock for biogas production. Moreover, the ability of algae to treat wastewater and fix CO₂ from waste gas streams makes it an environmental friendly and economically feasible feedstock. The present review focuses on the possibility of utilizing wastewater as the nutrient and waste gases as the CO₂ source for algal biomass production and subsequent biogas generation. Studies describing the various harvesting methods of algal biomass as well as its anaerobic digestion have been compiled and discussed. Studies targeting the most recent advancements on biogas enrichment by algae have been discussed. Apart from highlighting the various advantages of utilizing algal biomass for biogas production, limitations of the process such as cell wall resistivity towards digestion and inhibitions caused due to ammonia toxicity and the possible strategies for overcoming the same have been reviewed. The studies compiled in the present review indicate that if the challenges posed in translating the lab scale studies on phycoremediation and biogas production to pilot scale are overcome, algal biogas could become the sustainable and economically feasible source of renewable energy.     

Climatic effects on vertical mixing and deep-water oxygen content in the subalpine lakes in Italy

Acidification has adversely affected freshwater ecosystems in many areas, and recovery from acidification is often interrupted by acidic events. We lack detailed information about how benthic algae react to short-term acidic events and long-term recovery from acidification. We sampled 15 stream sites in the Czech Republic to study the effects of (a) water pH, aluminium and lead concentrations, (b) short-term acidic events, (c) 20 years of recovery from acidification and (d) high phosphorus concentrations combined with low pH on soft-bodied benthic algae. Water pH and aluminium concentrations affected benthic algal assemblages, but the acidification index periphyton (AIP) mainly reflected pH. Benthic algal assemblages reflected recent acidic events more closely than maximum or average pH. Our results indicate that the reaction of benthic algae to pH results from a fast effect of pH minima that cause sensitive species to disappear within a few months, and a slower process of dispersal and competition for resources during periods of higher pH. After an acidic event, recolonization of stream sites by sensitive species had started within 2 years, and was largely completed after 9 years. Our data indicate that acidification may mask the effect of enhanced phosphorus concentrations on benthic algal eutrophication indices.     

Elucidating the composition and conservation of the autophagy pathway in photosynthetic eukaryotes

Aquatic photosynthetic eukaryotes represent highly diverse groups (green, red, and chromalveolate algae) derived from multiple endosymbiosis events, covering a wide spectrum of the tree of life. They are responsible for about 50% of the global photosynthesis and serve as the foundation for oceanic and fresh water food webs. Although the ecophysiology and molecular ecology of some algal species are extensively studied, some basic aspects of algal cell biology are still underexplored. The recent wealth of genomic resources from algae has opened new frontiers to decipher the role of cell signaling pathways and their function in an ecological and biotechnological context. Here, we took a bioinformatic approach to explore the distribution and conservation of TOR and autophagy-related (ATG) proteins (Atg in yeast) in diverse algal groups. Our genomic analysis demonstrates conservation of TOR and ATG proteins in green algae. In contrast, in all 5 available red algal genomes, we could not detect the sequences that encode for any of the 17 core ATG proteins examined, albeit TOR and its interacting proteins are conserved. This intriguing data suggests that the autophagy pathway is not conserved in red algae as it is in the entire eukaryote domain. In contrast, chromalveolates, despite being derived from the red-plastid lineage, retain and express ATG genes, which raises a fundamental question regarding the acquisition of ATG genes during algal evolution. Among chromalveolates, Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta), a bloom-forming coccolithophore, possesses the most complete set of ATG genes, and may serve as a model organism to study autophagy in marine protists with great ecological significance.     

Phagosome-lysosome fusion inhibited by algal symbionts of Hydra viridis

Certain species of Chlorella live within the digestive cells of the fresh water cnidarian Hydra viridis. When introduced into the hydra gut, these symbiotic algae are phagocytized by digestive cells but avoid host digestion and persist at relatively constant numbers within host cells. In contrast, heat-killed symbionts are rapidly degraded after phagocytosis. Live symbionts appear to persist because host lysosomes fail to fuse with phagosomes containing live symbionts. Neither acid phosphatase nor ferritin was delivered via lysosomes into phagosomes containing live symbionts, whereas these lysosomal markers were found in 50% of the vacuoles containing heat-killed symbionts 1 h after phagocytosis. Treatment of symbiotic algae before phagocytosis with polycationic polypeptides abolishes algal persistence and perturbs the ability of these algae to control the release of photosynthate in vitro. Similarly, inhibition of photosynthesis and hence of the release of photosynthetic products as a result of prolonged darkness and 3-(3,4- dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea (DCMU) treatment also abolishes persistence. Symbiotic algae are not only protected from host digestive attack but are also selectively transported within host cells, moving from the apical site of phagocytosis to a basal position of permanent residence. This process too is disrupted by polycationic polypeptides, DCMU and darkness. Both algal persistence and transport may, therefore, be a function of the release of products from living, photosynthesizing symbionts. Vinblastine treatment of host animals blocked the movement of algae within host cells but did not perturb algal persistence: algal persistence and the transport of algae may be initiated by the same signal, but they are not interdependent processes.     

The ecology of viruses that infect eukaryotic algae

Because viruses of eukaryotic algae are incredibly diverse, sweeping generalizations about their ecology are rare. These obligate parasites infect a range of algae and their diversity can be illustrated by considering that isolates range from small particles with ssRNA genomes to much larger particles with 560?kb dsDNA genomes. Molecular research has also provided clues about the extent of their diversity especially considering that genetic signatures of algal viruses in the environment rarely match cultivated viruses. One general concept in algal virus ecology that has emerged is that algal viruses are very host specific and most infect only certain strains of their hosts; with the exception of viruses of brown algae, evidence for interspecies infectivity is lacking. Although some host-virus systems behave with boom-bust oscillations, complex patterns of intraspecies infectivity can lead to host-virus coexistence obfuscating the role of viruses in host population dynamics. Within the framework of population dynamics, host density dependence is an important phenomenon that influences virus abundances in nature. Variable burst sizes of different viruses also influence their abundances and permit speculations about different life strategies, but as exceptions are common in algal virus ecology, life strategy generalizations may not be broadly applicable. Gaps in knowledge of virus seasonality and persistence are beginning to close and investigations of environmental reservoirs and virus resilience may answer questions about virus inter-annual recurrences. Studies of algal mortality have shown that viruses are often important agents of mortality reinforcing notions about their ecological relevance, while observations of the surprising ways viruses interact with their hosts highlight the immaturity of our understanding. Considering that just two decades ago algal viruses were hardly acknowledged, recent progress affords the optimistic perspective that future studies will provide keys to unlocking our understanding of algal virus ecology specifically, and aquatic ecosystems generally.