2.4 Summary of Section 2

Parasites are everywhere, are highly diverse, extend far way beyond the scope of human based activities and, as we have seen, algal parasites play a fundamental role in natural ecosystems. However, research and practical work on pathogens is always driven by human health, food or energy production and generally overlooked when it comes to organism interactions, specially algae.

Initially restricted to Asia, the potential of algal aquaculture sectors to meet diverse human needs is being recognised. This growing interest in algal diseases and their economic impact is likely an important driver for research. The next section will therefore focus on the main diseases and parasites that any algal aquaculture enthusiast is likely to encounter.