The collection, screening, and characterization of microalgal strains represent a major endeavor of ASP researchers during the 1980s. More than 3,000 algal strains were collected from sites within the continental U. S. (Figure II. A.5.) and Hawaii or obtained from other culture collections. This was the first major collection of microalgae that emphasized strains suitable for cultivation in saline waters at high (or variable) temperatures, and with the potential for oil production. The establishment of the SERI Culture Collection as a genetic resource was a major accomplishment of the ASP; unfortunately a large proportion of the collection was lost due to funding cutbacks. However, the approximately 300 strains remaining in the collection will be transferred to the University of Hawaii, and should be available to interested researchers.