Seasonal and interannual production of sea lettuce (Ulva sp.) in outdoor cultures based on commercial size ponds

Abstract

The many nutritional benefits reported in seaweeds have increased their demand in the western world for human consumption. In order to supply this demand, it is necessary to cultivate seaweeds both offshore and onshore. Offshore cultivation is highly vulnerable to climate variation. Cultures on land can be operated while essential variables can be controlled (nutrient supply) or partially regulated (light and temperature) providing a more uniform quality and continuous production. In this study, we present the results of pondculture in a commercial pilot-facility on the Pacific, temperate coast of Mexico, which has been continuously running for 2½ years. Ponds of 100 m 3 were seeded with 3 kg/m 2 of a previously selected strain of Ulva. Pulse fertilization and a full water exchange were made twice a week. Ponds were fully harvested every 3 weeks and re-seeded with the initial density. Seaweed production showed a bimodal distribution with a strong peak in spring (258-290 g m −2 day −1 ), a minor peak in autumn, and lower production in summer and much lower in winter (40-85 g m −2 day −1 ). Highest growth

Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus: The Nutraceutical Potential of an Unexploited Marine Resource

“…A study conducted with C. teedei were, in overall, higher than those recorded in the current research for C. teedei var. lusitanicus , which may be attributable to differences in geographical harvesting sites, different physical-chemical parameters of the seawater, abiotic and biotic factors interaction, or even differences in seaweed processing, such as the drying process [ 43 , 44 , 45 ].…”

Applications of Ulva Biomass and Strategies to Improve Its Yield and Composition: A Perspective for Ulva Aquaculture

“…It is also likely that the microbiome is required for optimal vegetative growth [ 120 ]. A lot of research is still required, especially for large-scale cultivation where the biomass is usually outdoors and subject to fluctuating environmental conditions [ 121 ].…”

Fungal Laccase-Mediated Enhancement of the Bioactivity of Green Algae Extracts

“…Green marine algae as well as their naturally derived extracts, exhibit numerous health benefits such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective, principally attributed to their content in various bioactive components, including polyphenols and non-polyphenolic compounds, such as carotenoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids [10]. Different classes of polyphenols at varying concentrations have been detected in all green algae such as hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and bromophenols [11][12][13]. Thus, a profile of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phlorotannins (compounds consisting of highly polymerized phloroglucinol units) is typical for Ulva sp.…”