Algal resources of Pamban area

Abstract

The use of algae as food, fodder and manure dates back to many hundreds of years. Seaweeds have also been associated with important industries like agar-agar, alginic acid and iodine, to mention a few. Though Japan takes a lead in the utilization of seaweeds, other countries like China, Malaya, Indonesia, Burma, Siam, Borneo, the Strait Settlements, Indo-China, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Chile, etc., use algae for food as well as in the preparation of agar-agar and other industrial products.