Permaculture and algae

When I look in the pond and pet shops, there are all these wonderful ways to get rid of algae.  This got me wondering, is it even a problem?

Or does it do good things?

My goldfish eat it.  Do other animals/fish eat algae?

Does it have any other benefits?  Are there any uses for algae in a permaculture pond?  

Lots!

It provides food & habitat.  It oxygenizes the water.  It can be the beginning of a food chain.  If you want a good population of fish, you probably need algae.  It can attract ducks.

Does that help some?

Eric

I forgot to add that algae can be a great compost component that will be effectively seed-free and regrows quickly.

Eric

There are several types of edible algae.

The ones I hear the most about is Spirulina and Chlorella:

https://permies.com/t/42851/Spirulina-Grow-Biomass

https://permies.com/t/26527/success-growing-Spirulina-chlorella

https://permies.com/t/11256/growing-Chlorella-Spirulina-indoors-human


https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/algae-health-benefits