SERI in-house algal strain collection and screening efforts during 1986-1987 were focused in three separate areas. First, detailed characterization of previously collected strains continued. Second, because the desert southwest sites targeted for biodiesel production facilities can be quite cool during the winter, a new effort to collect strains from cold-water sites was initiated. Finally, a strategy was developed and implemented to reduce the number of strains that had accumulated as a result of in-house and subcontracted research efforts, which allowed researchers to focus on the most promising strains.