Strain Selection
When cultivating an alga, the choice of species depends
on the product to be marketed, whether for human consumption,
cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. Once the species
is chosen, a strain must be selected through a screening
process. This process must take into account many factors
including the performance of the alga in the local environment
and a gradient of responses that the alga has to environmental
factors (Craigie, 1990). If the cultivation of the
alga is to occur in the ocean environment, then specific criteria
must also be met when selecting a site.