Freshwater
The Freshwater Algal Culture Collection (FWAC) consists of approximately 60 unialgal cultures, largely Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Chrysophyceae.
FWAC History
The Freshwater Algal Culture Collection of the Department of Botany originated with Dr. Janet Stein, who arrived at UBC in 1959. An accomplished specialist in the field of freshwater algae, she inventoried the freshwater flora of the province, and established the freshwater collection. From 1984 to 2000, the collection was curated by Carol Ann Borden, who added a number of species to the collection.
In the past only a few isolates were available distribution. Recently the entire collection has been made available.
Marine
The North East Pacific Culture Collection (NEPCC) is a living collection of marine microalgae containing several hundred isolates with representatives from all of the major algal groups.
NEPCC History
The North East Pacific Culture Collection (NEPCC) is a living collection of marine microalgae which was formed during the late 1960’s by Dr. F.J.R. “Max” Taylor. At that time only a few “weed species” such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Dunaliella tertiolecta and Isochrysis galbana were available for ecological studies. The objective for building the Collection was to isolate species that were ecologically important in the North Pacific. This continues to be the focus of the NEPCC although species from many other localities, including the tropics, are maintained.
The collection now contains several hundred isolates with representatives from all of the major algal groups. Dr. Taylor’s interest in dinoflagellates is reflected in the large proportion of members of this group. The collection has had several curators, including Judy Acreman, Linda Greenway, and Elaine Simons.
Database
The Canadian Center for the Culture of Microorganisms (CCCM) maintains living specimens of marine phytoplankton, freshwater microalgae and fungal isolates for research, teaching and commercial use. Please click below to view the Algae database.