7.Many tons of macroalgae are harvested annually around the world, with China and Japan being the countries that excel in their consumption.However, macroalgae are used in many countries for very different purposes, namely for food or for domestic animals (feed), agriculture, and medicine because of their therapeutic properties.Human Food and Animal Feed
Microalgae and macroalgae have been utilized by humans for hundreds of years as food, fodder, remedies, and fertilizers.Microalgae such as Arthrospira (formerly Spirulina, Cyanobacteria) have a history of human consumption in Mexico and Africa.The increasing worldwide use of macroalgae has led to them now being exploited in industry [2,12].Ancient records show that people collected macroalgae for food as long ago as 500 B.C. in China and one thousand years later in Europe.Macroalgae Uses
Macroalgae offer a large number of possibilities for commercial use.7.1.