Abstract: A process and system for growing and harvesting algae of the genus Dunaliella, along with their associated bacteria, either in a body of saline water having extensive surface area and shallow depth, or in a tank. In the former the algae are grown in a saline body of water, caused to accumulate in the upper regions of the body of water by the action of light, and caused to aggregate in the upper regions by outflowing the body of water into a first harvesting location by way of a transition channel wherein the body is changed from being shallow and wide to narrow and deep. The upper regions containing the aggregation of algae and associated bacteria are then separated as a slurry and introduced into a second harvesting location wherein salt is introduced into the slurry so as to increase its density thereby causing the algae and associated bacteria to float on the surface. The algae and associated bacteria are then harvested off the surface as a biomass by skimming or other means.