TECHNIQUES FOR THE CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING OF TROPICAL ALGAE

The main goal of our work is to optimize production of desirable macroalgal bioproducts and biofuel at a significantly lower cost than current technologies.  Here we focus on the production of carrageenan from the tropical red alga, Eucheuma isiforme , as an essential step in the pathway towards viable conversion of macroalgal biomass to fuel. We have five principal objectives that address the economic viability of macroalgae as feedstock: (1) Develop techniques for large-scale, year-round, mechanized cultivation and harvesting of climate-resistant macroalgae; (2) Characterize nutrient and hydrodynamic loads at the farm scale; (3) Determine chemical and growth characteristics of the macroalgal biomass; (4) Identify the social and environmental impacts of macroalgal farms; and (5) Economic modeling and life cycle assessment of macroalgal biomass production incorporating technological, social, and environmental factors.  Current production of biofuel from algal biomass is limited by labor costs and lack of data on potential impacts of cultivation and harvesting on marine and coastal environments as well as a comprehensive characterization of the impact of environmental conditions on macroalgal feedstock and their bioproduct and biofuel yield and quality.