DNA barcoding has been used to resolve taxonomic
ambiguity in a variety of different organisms
but has also stimulated intense debate about its reliability
at the species level (Plaisance et al. 2009). It
should not be used as the only taxonomic tool;
more traditional approaches are also necessary. To
date, the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
(ICBN) does not include information about
the use of DNA barcoding; however, we believe that
this study together with previous evidence supports
(e.g., Demes et al. 2009) the recognition of a single
Macrocystis species.