The most important resources of the "Center for Phycological
Documentation" are two unique card files initiated by Dr. Paul Silva in 1949, the Index Nominum
Algarum (INA) and the Bibliographia Phycologica Universalis. Since 1986,
all entries have been computerized initially, while a search for methods
and means of computerizing earlier entries has been ongoing. This past
year the first step in the process, namely, electronic imaging of the
cards, was completed by an outside contractor with funds awarded by the
National Science Foundation. The images are stored on compact discs and
can be accessed via a browser interface, using a sparse index to generic
names. The index is controlled by a script that permits it to be modified
on-line.
Two long-standing phycological research projects -- studies on the
marine flora of the Pacific coast of the Americas and the preparation of
a worldwide monograph of the marine siphonous green algal genus Codium
-- were continued this past year. Manuscript of a marine flora of
South Farallon Island was revised in the light of recent collections made
by Natalie Cosentino, a consultant employed by the Golden Gate National
Parks. Dr. Max Chacana continued his study of Codium with the
goal of completing a world-wide monograph of the genus. Three major loans
of Codium, totaling 328 specimens, were received for examination.
Francisco Pedroche, a graduate student in residence most of the year,
completed his study of Codium from Pacific Mexico under the
tutelage of Dr. Silva and received his Ph.D. from the Universidad
Nacional Autonoma de Mexico on 12 May 1998.
