Do you *have* to get the algae? I've managed to avoid it so far--once I got the garden in, they prefer to farm or get the coconuts. (Not that they'll leave the coconuts alone!) I have to *make* them fish.

You don't "have" to get it, buy you will. Once you population get's so big, the coconuts and farm will not generate enough food to feed them.

But you have to get it to solve one of the puzzles.

Thanks! I guess I'll want it, then