The foundation of the collection was laid in Hamburg in 1974 with the establishment of clonal algae cultures from environmental isolates. The CCAC was formally established in spring 2001, associated with membership in the "World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC)". The CCAC is part of the "World Data Centre for Microorganisms" (registration number 807) and a member of the "European Culture Collections' Organisation (ECCO)".

The CCAC maintains approximately 7500 strains from around the world in four modern walk-in growth chambers operated at different temperatures. The strains are clonal or single cell isolates, if not otherwise stated. Most of these cultures were established by members or guests of the "Melkonian group" and are held exclusively by the CCAC. Some of our strains have also been deposited in other culture collections or were received from other collections. Most of the strains in the CCAC derive from freshwater/terrestrial habitats (85%), the remaining 15% represent marine or brackish water strains. 15% of the strains are axenic. More than 5100 strains are currently available to the public.

The CCAC accepts strains for deposition, if they are considered to be a valuable addition to the collection. Prospective depositors should contact the curator of the CCAC.