The need for nutritional sources safer than
traditional animal products has renewed interest generally
in plants and particularly in microalgae. Microalgae have
diverse uses in aquaculture, their applications are mainly to
provide nutrition and to enhance the colour of the flesh of
salmonids. The larvae of molluscs, echinoderms and
crustaceans as well as some fish larvae feed on microalgae.
Several studies have confirmed that a live multi-specific,
low bacterial and microalgal biomass remains essential for
shellfish hatcheries. Major advances are expected from new
production system, designs and operations from batch run
open tanks to more sophisticated continuously-run and
closed loop reactors. Currently, studies are underway to
examine the cost-effectiveness of the on- and off-site
microalgal production systems which can only be achieved
by substantial scaling-up and improved quality control. In
order to attain sustainability in the usage of microalgae, a
systems-based approach is required which integrates