Conservation of micro and macro algal species

1. CONSERVATION OF
ALGAE
Unit I
VBT315

2. Importance of Algae
 Role in Oxygen Production
 Contribution to Food Chains
 Medicinal and Industrial Uses

3. Role in Oxygen Production
 Algae, both in marine and freshwater environments, play a
crucial role in oxygen production, contributing significantly to
the Earth's oxygen cycle. They are involved in:
 Photosynthesis
 Oxygenic Photosynthesis:
 Algae, like plants, perform oxygenic photosynthesis, the most
common form of photosynthesis on Earth.
 During oxygenic photosynthesis, algae absorb sunlight through
chlorophyll and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into
sugars and oxygen.
 Quantitative Impact:
 Algae contribute significantly to global oxygen production. While
estimates vary, it is believed that more than half of the world's
oxygen is produced by marine plants, including algae.
 Microscopic algae, such as phytoplankton, are particularly
important contributors to oxygen production.

4. Role in Oxygen Production
 Balance in Ecosystems:
 Oxygen produced by algae supports a healthy balance in aquatic
ecosystems, sustaining the life of various organisms, including
fish and other aquatic fauna.
 The interconnectedness of these ecosystems underscores the
importance of algae in maintaining oxygen levels.
 Global Impact:
 The health of marine and freshwater ecosystems, where algae
thrive, directly impacts the oxygen content in the Earth's
atmosphere.
 Conservation efforts targeting algae and their habitats are
essential for maintaining a stable and oxygen-rich environment.
 Environmental Health:
 Algae contribute to the overall health of ecosystems by
oxygenating water bodies. This is crucial for the survival of
aquatic organisms and the maintenance of biodiversity.

5. Contribution to Food Chains
Algae, as primary producers, form the foundation of aquatic food chains,
supporting diverse ecosystems.
 Primary Producers
 Phytoplankton and Zooplankton:
 Phytoplankton, microscopic algae suspended in water, are a primary food source for
zooplankton.
 Herbivorous Organisms:
 Herbivorous organisms, such as small fish and invertebrates, feed on algae directly.
 Transfer of Energy:
 Energy from algae is transferred up the food chain as herbivores are consumed by
predators.
 Fish and Higher Trophic Levels:
 Small fish consume herbivores, incorporating the energy derived from algae into their
own biomass.
 top predators, including birds and mammals, rely on these lower trophic levels for
sustenance.
 Biodiversity Support:
 The diversity of algae species contributes to the richness and diversity of species in
aquatic ecosystems.
 Ecosystem Health:

6. Medicinal and Industrial Uses
Medicinal Uses:
 Bioactive Compounds
 Nutraceuticals
 Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents
 Wound Healing
 Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Industrial Uses
 Biofuel Production
 Agar and Carrageenan Production
 Bioplastics
 Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
 Aquaculture and Animal Feed

7. Threats to Algae
 Pollution (Water and Air)
 Climate Change
 Habitat Destruction

8. Pollution (Water and Air)
Water Pollution:
 Nutrient Runoff
 Chemical Contaminants
 Oil Spills
 Acidification
Air Pollution:
 Particulate Matter
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
 Airborne Toxins

9. Impact of pollution on Algae
 Algal Blooms:
 Nutrient pollution often leads to the formation of algal blooms,
characterized by rapid and excessive algae growth.
 Algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels in water, leading to hypoxic or
anoxic conditions harmful to aquatic life.
 Species Composition Changes:
 Pollution can alter the composition of algal communities, favoring the
growth of certain species over others.
 This can disrupt the balance in ecosystems and impact the overall
biodiversity.
 Toxicity Issues:
 Certain algae, under stressed conditions, may produce toxins.
 Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can release toxins that are harmful to
aquatic organisms and pose risks to human health through the
consumption of contaminated water or seafood.
 Habitat Degradation:
 Pollution contributes to the degradation of aquatic habitats where algae
thrive.
 Loss of suitable habitat and water quality degradation further stress algal

10. Impact of Climate Change on
Algae
1. Temperature Changes
2. Ocean Acidification:
Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Oceans act as a carbon sink, absorbing excess
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. However, this process leads to
ocean acidification.
Impact on Calcifying Algae: Algae with calcium carbonate structures, such as
certain types of diatoms, may face challenges as acidification affects their
ability to build and maintain shells.
3. Changes in Precipitation Patterns:
Altered Freshwater Inflows: Changes in precipitation patterns can affect the
salinity of water bodies. Algae adapted to specific salinity levels may face
challenges in adapting to altered freshwater inflows.
4. Extreme Weather Events:
5. Altered Nutrient Cycles
6. Sea Level Rise
7. Impact on Biodiversity
8. Increased Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

11. Impact of Habitat Destruction on
Algae
1. Loss of Niche Habitats:
Destruction of Coastal Ecosystems; Loss of Microenvironments
2. Changes in Light Availability:
Altered Light Penetration; Impact on Photosynthesis; Nutrient Cycling;
Runoff and Soil Erosion; Altered Nutrient Input
4. Pollution and Contamination:
Runoff of Pollutants; Water Quality Degradation
5. Loss of Biodiversity:
Direct and Indirect Impacts; Altered Community Dynamics
6. Displacement of Species:
Migration and Colonization Challenges; Competition and Adaptation
7. Impact on Ecosystem Services:
Loss of Ecosystem Functions; Reduced Resilience
8. Fragmentation of Habitats:
Isolation of Algal Populations; Genetic Diversity Concerns

12. Conservation Strategies
 Protected Areas and Reserves
 Sustainable Harvesting Practices
 Pollution Control Measures

13. Protected Areas and Reserves
 Algae play a crucial role in maintaining
ecological balance and supporting various
ecosystems.
 Protecting algal biodiversity is essential for
preserving ecosystem services, including
oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and
support for aquatic life.

14. Protected Areas and Reserves
Benefits of Protected Areas and Reserves:
 Preservation of Biodiversity: Establishing
protected areas and reserves helps safeguard
diverse algal species and the ecosystems they
inhabit.
 Research Opportunities: These areas
provide valuable opportunities for scientific
research, helping us better understand algal
biology, ecology, and the impacts of
environmental changes.

15. Protected Areas and Reserves
Identification and Mapping:
 Surveying Algal Diversity: Before
establishing protected areas, it's crucial to
conduct thorough surveys to identify the
diversity of algal species present.
 Mapping Habitats: Mapping algal habitats
within designated areas aids in the
development of effective conservation plans.

16. Protected Areas and Reserves
Legal Designation and Regulations:
 Establishment of Protected Areas:
Governments and environmental organizations
can legally designate areas specifically for
algal conservation.
 Enforcement of Regulations: Strict
regulations regarding human activities, such
as fishing, boating, and construction, within
these areas ensure minimal disturbance to
algal habitats.

17. Protected Areas and Reserves
Habitat Restoration:
 Rehabilitation Efforts: Initiatives to restore
degraded algal habitats within protected areas
enhance their resilience.
 Erosion Control Measures: Implementing
erosion control measures helps maintain the
integrity of algal habitats, especially in coastal
areas.

18. Protected Areas and Reserves
Community Engagement:
 Education and Awareness: Involving local
communities in conservation efforts through
education programs fosters awareness and
appreciation for algal ecosystems.
 Sustainable Practices: Encouraging
sustainable practices, such as responsible
tourism and fishing, helps minimize human
impact on algal habitats.

19. Protected Areas and Reserves
Monitoring and Research:
 Long-Term Monitoring Programs: Regular
monitoring of algal populations and
environmental conditions within protected
areas provides data for assessing
conservation effectiveness.
 Research Partnerships: Collaborations with
research institutions contribute to ongoing
studies on algal biology, ecology, and
responses to environmental changes.

20. Sustainable Harvesting
Practices
Key Practices:
 Selective Harvesting:
 Target Specific Species: Focus on harvesting specific algal
species, preserving biodiversity.
 Non-Destructive Methods: Use gentle methods like hand
harvesting to reduce habitat impact.
 Timing and Frequency:
 Seasonal Harvesting: Consider seasonal patterns to prevent
over-exploitation and allow natural regeneration.
 Optimal Frequency: Set harvesting schedules to provide
adequate recovery time for algal populations.
 Quotas and Limits:
 Regulatory Quotas: Establish and enforce quotas to limit harvest
volumes.
 Prevent Over-Harvesting: Monitoring ensures compliance,
preventing depletion of algal resources.

21. Pollution Control Measures
Ecosystem-Based Solutions:
 Wetland Restoration: Restore wetlands to act as
natural filters for water pollutants.
 Green Infrastructure: Promote green
infrastructure projects to mitigate both water and
air pollution.
Advanced Monitoring:
 Sensor Technologies: Deploy advanced sensors
for real-time monitoring of water and air quality.
 Big Data Analytics: Utilize big data analytics to
identify pollution trends and sources.

22. Genetic Conservation
 Importance of Genetic Diversity
 Seed Banks for Algal Species

23. Seed Bank Functions
 Genetic Diversity Preservation:
 Storage of Genetic Material: Seed banks store algal
samples, preserving genetic diversity for future use.
 Preventing Extinction: Ensures the survival of rare
and endangered algal species.
 Research and Development:
 Scientific Studies: Provides researchers access to
diverse algal strains for studies on taxonomy,
physiology, and genetics.
 Biotechnological Applications: Supports research
for potential applications in biotechnology, medicine,
and environmental monitoring.

24. Community Involvement
 Citizen Science Initiatives
 Public Awareness Campaigns
 Involvement of Local Communities

25. Future Prospects
 Advances in Algae Conservation Technologies
 International Cooperation
 Importance of Research

26. Challenges in Algae
Conservation
 Lack of Awareness
 Funding Constraints
 Legislative Issues

27. Case Study
 Successful Algae Conservation Projects: The Hawaiian
Anchialine Pool Restoration.
Project Overview:
 Location: Hawaiian Islands, primarily focused on Maui and
Hawaii.
 Partners: Collaborative effort involving government agencies,
local communities, and conservation organizations.
 Duration: Initiated in 2005, ongoing with adaptive management
strategies.
Challenges:
 Invasive Species: The introduction of invasive algae and non-
native species disrupted the delicate balance of native algal
communities.
 Habitat Degradation: Urban development and agriculture
contributed to habitat destruction and water quality issues.
 Climate Change: Rising sea levels and altered precipitation
patterns posed additional threats to anchialine pools.

28. Activity
 Write a one page write-up on What
conservation strategies were used in the
above given Case study.
 What were the results of the strategies used?

29. Thank you