Cultivation of Gracilaria lichenoides in Puttalam Lagoon

A brief description is given of experimental rearing of the red alga G. lichenoides using a coir net frame method. Frames of 1x1 m were made and tied to bamboo poles which were planted in water; the frame was fixed at a level about 1 ft below the water level. 2 cm fragments were used as propagating material. Plants were found to grow more luxuriantly and were more greenish than using other methods, and in addition were free from extraneous matter such as sand. The regeneration time of the plant is low, and it reaches marketable size in 3-4 months.