The Journal of Applied Phycology publishes work on the rapidly expanding subject of the commercial use of algae.

The journal accepts submissions on fundamental research, development of techniques and practical applications in such areas as algal and cyanobacterial biotechnology and genetic engineering, tissues culture, culture collections, commercially useful micro-algae and their products, mariculture, algalization and soil fertility, pollution and fouling, monitoring, toxicity tests, toxic compounds, antibiotics and other biologically active compounds.

Each issue of the Journal of Applied Phycology also includes a short section for brief notes and general information on new products, patents and company news.