 The aim of the project was to develop a farm for the cultivation of Macroalgae, under a spray-culture technology, in which seaweeds are grown on sand (or nets), using underground salty water from wells in the Araba/Arava. The methods developed produced seaweeds in a controlled environment. Suitable Macroalgae that can be adapted to higher temperatures and light radiation have to be selected. The designed farm will produce seaweeds in a controlled environment with high growth rates from which phycochemicals can be extracted.
In order to achieve conditions, in which an epiphyte free species of selected high yield Macroalgae will grow in a commercial farm, a spray culturing technology was developed. Suitable Macroalgae of high growth rates that can be adapted to higher temperature and light radiation (typical to Israel, southern U.S.A. and many LDC’s) were selected from those already examined. The innovative aspect of the project is in culturing Macroalgae in an improved technology. The integrated approach, including the growing of Macroalgae, the extraction of phycochemicals and the anaerobic fermentation of the wastes, is also of importance since a more economical project can be developed. This agroindustrial “machine” fits into an agrarian based local economy and gives the community the stimulus and strength of industry. | 
