ALGAE

Algae are the foundation of many marine, estuarine and freshwater benthic ecosystems and provide food, substrata and protection for a myriad of other aquatic organisms. Many species are sensitive to environmental change. In addition, a number of species, including kelp, nori, and others, are grown via extensive aquaculture or harvested from the wild for human food and for extraction of colloids used in cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. This portal serves as: 1) a resource to advance algal research; 2) a data management and publishing platform for vouchered and observational algal specimen data, and 3) to provide opportunities for the public to learn about the economic and ecological importance of algae.

Also known as: Algae Herbarium Portal