1. Phytoplankton: Microscopic algae that drift freely in the water column and use sunlight to photosynthesize. They form the base of the marine food web and produce about 50% of the Earth's oxygen. Examples include diatoms, dinoflagellates, and coccolithophores.
2. Seaweeds: Larger, multicellular algae that anchor to the seafloor or other surfaces. They provide habitat and food for various marine organisms and play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem. Examples include kelp, seaweed, and sea lettuce.
3. Cyanobacteria: Also known as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that are found in both marine and freshwater environments. They are among the oldest forms of life on Earth and are important primary producers, especially in nutrient-poor regions of the ocean.