New records and updated list of brown algae (Phaeophyceae) from the coast of Michoacan, Mexico

Brown algae (Phaeophyceae) recorded in the literature and specimens at herbaria from the littoral of Michoacan were extensively reviewed. Additionally, these data were supplemented with samplings in 11 localities from 2006 to 2014. A total of 52 infrageneric taxa of brown algae (49 species and 3 varieties) were determined; from these, 27 were new records for Michoacan, being Streblonema anomalum and Ectocarpus taoniae new records for the Pacific coast of Mexico. The highest number of species was recorded for La Majahuita (27), while the lowest number of taxa was in San Telmo (2). The family Dictyotaceae was the best represented (15 taxa), followed by Chordariaceae and Ectocarpaceae (5 each one). From the previous 25 records in this area, the presence of 12 taxa was confirmed, so the number of Phaeophyceae from this coast increased to 52 taxa. The floristic list is accompanied by data of presence, seasonality, reproduction, habitat and bibliographic references. Species diversity was compared between the dry and rainy seasons during 2006 to 2014, the greatest diversity was found during the dry season. The coast of Michoacan has the highest specific richness of Phaeophyceae when comparing to Nayarit, Colima, Jalisco, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas.