Page 269 - Algae Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology

252 Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology

contributing close to 60% of the world market. Table 7.1 shows the FAO data relative to the total
macroalgae harvest for the period 2000–2002 in all fishing areas of the world.
Large-scale commercial production of microalgae biomass is limited to Dunaliella, Haemato-
coccus, Arthrospira, and Chlorella, which are cultivated in open ponds at farms located around the
world.
These algae are a source for viable and inexpensive carotenoids, pigments, proteins, and vita-
mins that can be used for the production of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, animal feed additives,
and cosmetics. Examples of large-scale commercial production are the large lagoons used in
Australia for Dunaliella salina cultivation aimed at b-carotene production, the ponds that Cyano-
tech Enterprise own in Australia, and Earthrise farms in California for Haematococcus cultivation
aimed at astaxanthin production.
Cyanotech Enterprise claimed that in the 2004 their net sales were about $12 billion, with a net
income only in the fourth quarter of $400,000.

SOURCES AND USES OF COMMERCIAL ALGAE
FOOD
Cyanophyta

Some Nostoc species are regionally being used as food and herbal ingredients. Ge-Xian-Mi has
been regarded as Nostoc sphaeroides, however, its taxonomic identity remains controversial.
This Nostoc species has been used as a delicacy for hundreds of years and is found in rice fields
from December to May in Hubei, China. Colonies of Ge-Xian-Mi are dark green and pearl-
shaped, develop from hormogonia, and can reach 2.5 cm in diameter. Dried Nostoc spp. balls
are sold in Asian markets; they are stir-fried saute ´ed with oysters, and used in soups and as thick-
eners for other foods.
Another species is Nostoc flagelliforme Bornet et Flahault, a terrestrial cyanobacterium that
naturally grows on arid and semiarid steppes in the Northern and the Northwestern parts of
China, where it is considered an edible delicacy with special medical value and great economic
value. The Chinese have used it as food for about 2000 years, as told in an old text dating back
to the Jin Dinasty (265–316 AD). Its herbal values were recognized more than 400 years ago
as recorded with other economic Nostoc species in “Compendium of Materia Medica” of 1578.
N. flagelliforme is called “Facai” (hair vegetable) in Chinese because of its hair-like appearance.
However, the pronunciation of “Facai” sounds like another Chinese word that means to be
fortunate and get rich. Therefore, it symbolizes additionally good luck. N. flagelliforme has been
consumed in China, especially Guangdong, and among Chinese emigrants worldwide on account
of its food and herbal values as well as its spiritual image.
As this cyanobacterium has been collected and traded from old times, the resource is getting
less and less as the market demand increases with economic growth. People gather it by tools,
which more or less destroy the vegetation, and in addition to this loss by harvesting, pasturing

TABLE 7.1
Total Macroalgae Harvest in All Fishing Areas of the World

All Fishing Areas of the World 2000 2001 2002
Red Macroalgae 2,275,141 2,472,253 2,791,006
Brown Macroalgae 5,608,074 5,453,534 5,782,535
Green Macroalgae 96,235 93,688 76,265