An overview of seaweed resources in Chile

The seaweed harvest in Chile has doubled during the past decade, and export values have increased by 300% because of diversification and increase in the volume of products with greater value added. The export value of seaweed products increased from US $18 million in 1980 to $52 million in 1991. During the past decade, the successful cultivation of Gracilaria was implemented, and this has compensated for the large decrease in yields from natural beds. In the short term, it will be necessary to develop techniques for the cultivation of other resources such as Iridaea, Gigartina, Lessonia and Gelidium. Alternative biotechnological methods must also be developed, such as the use of Gracilaria strains with increased quality and production for growth in cultivation centers.