Translation of the German edition (2008). This guide will help in the identification of marine algae (macroalgae, seaweeds) without requiring special knowledge of the subject and technical aids, such as a microscope. For a person interested in nature with a general interest in and knowledge of biology, a direct comparison of seaweed material with the original colour images herein will be useful in recognising the essential morphological characteristics of genera and/or species. The accompanying text is intended to support this, and is essentially reduced to a description of morphological characteristics that can be seen with the unaided eye (although a small magnifying lense is helpful in some cases). This is supplemented by additional information, particularly on habitat and geographical distribution.
General and introductory remarks for the use of this book/ Introduction / About the term 'marine algae'/ Basic information on structure and reproduction/ Localities, habitats, distribution/ Notes on collection, preparation, observation and photography/ Ecological and economic importance of seaweeds and aesthetic - cultural aspects)/ Systematic classification/ Description and depiction of genera and species/ Appendix (Classification of seaweed genera included in this book/ Explanation of terms/ Literature)/ Index: Genera and species.