Factors affecting the large-scale production of four species of commercially important marine algae

Abstract

Semi-continuous cultures of four algal food species were maintained in 80 l and 200 l vessels internally illuminated by six 80 W fluorescent lamps. At standard densities Skeletonema costatum produced the greatest average yield, equivalent to 120 l d −1 for 7–8 weeks. Chaetoceros calcitrans, Isochrysis aff. galbana (clone T. Iso.) and Chroomonas salina produced 50–60 l d −1 for 2–4 weeks. Yields for each algal species were similar from 80 l and 200 l vessels and lower when four 80 W lamps were used. The harvesting regime to achieve the above yields is evaluated.