The IUCN Red List categorized the algae as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), after a March 2007 assessment noted that the plant hadn't been since 1983.

[2] In the intertidal zones of Isla Santa Maria, Taylor notes that "[t]he dominant algal species appeared to be Blossevillea galapagensis, a notable fucoid endemic known from the time of the Vettor Pisani Expedition.

[2]The classification of Bifurcaria galapagensis is uncertain, likely in part due to its scarcity; noted AlgaeBase founder M.D.

[6] Bifurcaria galapagensis has several homotypic synonyms as its genus has been reassessed:[5] Researchers applying a key biodiversity area (KBA) methodology to the Galapagos Marine Reserve conducted numerous field surveys between 2000 and 2006 were unable to find a single B. galapagensis specimen.

[7] The researchers considered "crypsis or insufficient search effort" as possible reasons for their inability to locate sought-after species but determined that "a lack of sighting ... reflect[ed] true absence[.]"