In phylogenetic terms, CCAP is the most diverse culture collection in the world, with ca 3000 strains of marine and freshwater algae and protists. Cultures can be purchased for commercial use and academic research. CCAP also offers a wide range of services in addition to maintaining the collection and supplying cultures. It accepts deposits of cultures of algae (macro- and microalgae as well as cyanobacteria) and free-living, non-pathogenic protozoa.

As an International Depository Authority (IDA) CCAP also holds patented strains.

Finally, CCAP conducts research on the cultivation of algae and protists, on the physiology and taxonomy of various strains in the collection, and on the potential of microalgae for the production of biofuels as part of the Microbial and Molecular Biology Department at SAMS. It is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council through the Oceans 2025 programme.

For more information visit the CCAP website or contact the curators, Christine Campbell (marine) or Dr John Day (freshwater & protozoa).