STA Section Page 11 Protocol Update (12/6/26):
UPDATE HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE -
"Here we are aiming to capture the properties of the main photosynthetically active part of the individual, analogous to a plant leaf. If the main photosynthetic component comprises clearly differentiated blades/bladelets or leaf-like structures, use these. If not, cut section(s) of whole frond or side-branches (e.g., yellow circled areas in Fig. 8). These should be taken midway along the length of the upper fronds/blades, aiming to avoid highly structural (basal) or degrading (tip) areas (Fig. 8). If pneumatocysts are integrated into the frond (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum) or numerous and hard to separate (e.g., some species of Sargassum) they can be included in the STA sample, but please make a note in final data submission if so."