1 kg algae comprise the active substances contained in around 100,000 l marine water, including all important minerals, amino acids, trace elements, vitamins and polyphenols (antioxidants). The individual content of these different active substances de- pends on the relevant type of algae. Depending on their rate of growth, the various species, which number almost 20,000, are subdivided into macro- and micro-algae. They are subdivided again into brown, red and green algae on the basis of their coloration.