Israeli R & D activities in seaweed cultivation

Intensive cultivation of seaweeds in tanks and ponds has been developed ill Israel during the past twenty years. The achievements and problems presented in this review are based on major studies from other parts of the world. The advantages and disadvantages of on-land free-floating Cultivation are analyzed ill it detailed and comprehensive way, using physical. chemical, and biological variables in tank cultures. The common target variables of this analysis are the growth rate and yield of the cultured seaweeds. The main species Gracilaria. Ulva. and Porphyra, which are presented here, are of economic value for the food and food additive market. This tank culture is compared to the upscale pond culture of bigger facilities. The unique subject of integrated seaweed cultivation with fish or marine invertebrates is discussed separately. Finally. ail economic analysis is presented in order to serve as a guideline for decision-making in seaweed cultivation for commercial products, and for considering future developments.