Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP)

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The Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP) is a resource of living strains of micro-organisms and seaweeds which have been collected from a wide range of environmental habitats. Beginning with Prof Ernst Georg Pringsheim in the early 20th century, scientists have isolated strains from the sea, rock pools, sea-ice, rivers and lakes, soil, tree bark and stone, which have then been maintained in the CCAP as either living cultures or stored frozen in liquid nitrogen. The Collection is based in the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban on the west coast of Scotland. It provides living cultures which are used:1) By universities for teaching and research 2) By biotechnologists screening for bioactive compounds3) For fish and shellfish hatcheries for larval feeding4) As reference strains for shellfish toxin detection 5) As reference strains for ecotoxicologists testing water quality 6) In biofuel research including, as an example, plans by architects to have algal fuel factories in transparent house walls 7) By artists who, for instance, have used microscopic bioluminescent algae in art installationsThe organisms provide a wealth of biodiversity from beautiful tiny diatoms with glass cell walls of intricate and beautiful shapes; large amoeba which glide around and engulf food particles; fast swimming green unicells and freshwater desmids with bilateral symmetry. As such, CCAP is the most biodiverse culture collection in the world. During the funding period, CCAP will continue to supply all the core functions described and will train staff to in use of innovative techniques. It will respond to its user base and expand its collection to incorporate new discoveries and fully embrace the genomics revolution, as well as develop knowledge around the role of microbiomes to algal health and wellbeing. To help CCAP achieve greater impact, a new Steering Group comprising external experts, along with NOC and SAMS representatives, will provide advice and guidance in support of the Facility. CCAP will continue implementation of a quality assurance management, with the expectation to achieve ISO9001 certification by the end of 2018. CCAP will also address full compliance with the Nagoya Protocol to ensure the fair access and sharing of any benefits derived from the strains safe-guarded by CCAP.