Algae, including seaweeds and microalgae, contribute nearly 30 percent of world aquaculture production (measured in wet weight), primarily from seaweeds. Seaweeds and cmicroalgae generate socio-economic benefits to tens of thousands of households, primarily in coastal communities, including numerous women empowered by seaweed cultivation. Various human health contributions, environmental benefits and ecosystem services of seaweeds and microalgae have drawn increasing attention to untapped potential of seaweed and microalgae cultivation. Highly imbalanced production and consumption across geographic regions implies a great potential in the development of seaweed and microalgae cultivation. Yet joint efforts of governments, the industry, the scientific community, international organizations, civil societies, and other stakeholders or experts are needed to realize the potential. This document examines the status and trends of global algae production with a focus on algae cultivation, recognizes the algae sector’s existing and potential contributions and benefits, highlights a variety of constraints and challenges over the sector’s sustainable development, and discusses lessons learned and way forward to unlock full potential in algae cultivation and FAO’s roles in the process. From a balanced perspective that recognizes not only the potential of algae but also constraints and challenges upon the realization of the potential, information and knowledge provided by this document can facilitate evidence-based policymaking and sector management in algae development at the global, regional and national levels.

The marine environment accounts for most of the biodiversity on our planet, while offering a huge potential for the benefit and wellbeing of mankind. Its extensive resources already constitute the basis of many economic activities – but many more are expected in coming years. This book covers current knowledge on uses of marine algae to obtain bulk and fine chemicals, coupled with optimization of the underlying production and purification processes. Major gaps and potential opportunities in this field are discussed in a critical manner. The currrent trends pertaining to marine macro- and microalgae are explained in a simple and understandable writing style. This book covers a wide variety of topics, and as such it will be appropriate as both student text and reference for advances researchers in the field.

This collection summarises current developments in utilising seaweed and microalgae as alternative sources of protein. Chapters focus on identifying the different types of macroalgae and microalgae, cultivation and processing, as well as the practical application in human and livestock diets.

Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention is a comprehensive reference that addresses the historical and potential use of microalgae, its extracts, secondary metabolites, and molecular constituents for enhancing human health and preventing diseases. Each chapter features an overview, and the book includes coverage of microalgae biology, harmful algae, the use of microalgae in alcohol and food, and as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The historical use of microalgae, in addition to its potential use as a nutraceutical and cosmeceutical, is also addressed. The book provides coverage of relevant, up-to-date research as assembled by a group of contributors who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae use in health, diet and nutrition. Discusses research findings on the relationship between microalgal diet, nutrition and human health Presents the medicinal, anti-allergic and psychoactive properties of microalgae Identifies toxic and harmful microalgae Addresses microalgal lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

Handbook of Microalgae: Biotechnology Advances offers complete coverage of marine microalgae, including biology, production techniques, biotechnological applications, economic perspectives of applications, and environmental effects of marine microalgae blooms. With contributions from world experts, Handbook of Microalgae: Biotechnology Advances focuses on microalgae from an organism perspective to offer a complete picture from evolution to biofuel. - Focuses on a comprehensive approach from an organism point of view - Contains full coverage of all aspects of microalgae from biology through biotechnological and biomedical applications - Includes biological properties of commercial algal species - Provides microalgae screening and identification methods, culturing methods and new aspects of processing

This volume on medicinal foods from the sea narrates the bioactive principles of various marine floral (vertebrate and Invertebrate), faunal (Macro and Micro algal) and microbial sources. Contributions from eminent scientists worldwide explain about the latest advance implications in the development and application of marine originated functional foods, as potential pharmaceuticals and medicines for the benefit of humankind by meeting the present nutraceutical demands. - The latest important information for food scientists and nutritionists - Peer-reviewed articles by a panel of respected scientists - The go-to series since 1948

Designed as the primary reference for the biotechnological use of macroalgae, this comprehensive handbook covers the entire value chain from the cultivation of algal biomass to harvesting and processing it, to product extraction and formulation. In addition to covering a wide range of product classes, from polysaccharides to terpenes and from enyzmes to biofuels, it systematically discusses current and future applications of algae-derived products in pharmacology, medicine, cosmetics, food and agriculture. In doing so, it brings together the expertise of marine researchers, biotechnologists and process engineers for a one-stop resource on the biotechnology of marine macroalgae.

Algae for Food: Cultivation, Processing and Nutritional Benefits Algae are a primitive, living photosynthetic form and they are the oldest living organism. In the marine ecosystem, algae are the primary producers that supply energy required to a diverse marine organism and especially seaweed provides a habitat for invertebrates and fishes. There have been significant advances in many areas of phycology. This book describes the advances related to food and nutrition of algae achieved during the last decades, it also identifies gaps in the present knowledge and needs for the future. The 17 chapters, grouped into 6 parts, are written by phycologists. More insight on industrial exploitation of algae and their products is supported by current studies and will help academia. The first part explains new technologies to improve the microalgal biomass, strain improvement and different methods of seaweed cultivation. In the second part, food and nutraceutical applications of algae, food safety aspects, green nanotechnology and formulation methods for the extraction and isolation of algal functional foods are described. The third part deals with pigments and carotenoids while the fourth part exploits the isolation and application of hydrocolloids, nutritional implications of algal polysaccharides and the characterization and bioactivity of fucoidans. In the fifth part, the biomedical potential of seaweed followed by agricultural applications of algae are well described. The book is an important resource for scholars that provides knowledge on wide range of topics. Key Features Covers important fields of algae from biomass production to genetic engineering aspects of algae Useful in the field of algal biotechnology, aquaculture, marine micro and macrobiology, microbial biotechnology and bioprocess technology Focuses on the therapeutic and nutritional areas of algae

Algae - Organisms for Imminent Biotechnology will be useful source of information on basic and applied aspects of algae for post graduate students, researchers, scientists, agriculturists, and decision makers. The book comprises a total of 12 chapters covering various aspects of algae particularly on microalgal biotechnology, bloom dynamics, photobioreactor design and operation of microalgal mass cultivation, algae used as indicator of water quality, microalgal biosensors for ecological monitoring in aquatic environment, carbon capture and storage by microalgae to enhancing CO2 removal, synthesis and biotechnological potentials of algal nanoparticles, biofilms, silica-based nanovectors, challenges and opportunities in marine algae, and genetic identification and mass propagation of economically important seaweeds and seaweeds as source of new bioactive prototypes.

Functional Ingredients from Algae for Foods and Nutraceuticals, Second Edition presents an overview on the composition, properties and potential to develop novel ingredients and additives for functional foods and nutraceuticals. This revised edition includes recent data on the composition and biological properties of algae, along with examples of the development of novel algae products and their performance. It includes a new chapter on both conventional and green technologies for product development and will be of interest to nutrition researchers, food technologists and marine scientists, as well as those with an interest in natural product development. - Addresses the chemical, nutritional and biological characterization of algae components - Includes cases studies focused on bioactives and the development of novel food products - Presents a new chapter on conventional and green technologies for product development