• Kelp, Diatoms, and Allies (Kingdom Chromista)

• Phylum Ochrophyta

• Brown Algae (Class Phaeophyceae)

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​Class Phaeophyceae, commonly known as the brown algae, is a group of predominantly marine organisms found in oceans worldwide, especially in cooler coastal waters. Members of this class range from small filamentous forms to large kelps that can grow tens of meters in length and form extensive underwater forests. Their characteristic brown to olive coloration comes from the pigment fucoxanthin, which masks the green chlorophyll used for photosynthesis. Brown algae play vital ecological roles by providing habitat, food, and nursery areas for numerous marine species, while also contributing significantly to coastal primary productivity. Most species have complex multicellular structures that may include holdfasts for attachment, stem-like stipes, and leaf-like blades.