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Production and economic assessment of giant kelp M acrocystis pyrifera cultivation for abalone feed in the south of C hile
Author(s) -
Correa Tomás,
Gutiérrez Alfonso,
Flores Roberto,
Buschmann Alejandro H,
Cornejo Patricio,
Bucarey Cristian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.12529
Subject(s) - kelp , abalone , macrocystis pyrifera , biology , biomass (ecology) , fishery , mariculture , agronomy , zoology , ecology , aquaculture , fish <actinopterygii>
Abstract Kelp biomass availability for mass abalone cultivation remains a critical issue in C hile. The technical and economic feasibility of a commercial scale kelp farming activity has not been established. This study describes the production and economic results of a pilot scale unit installed in southern C hile. Our results show 25 kg m −1 of production over a 9‐month spring‐summer period, and 16.2 kg m −1 during the autumn‐winter period. These values indicate that a total biomass production of 41.3 kg (wet) ma −1 year −1 can be obtained by placing the culture lines at 4 m intervals. High quality animal food‐grade plants with a 9% protein content, over 5 m in length were harvested. Sensitivity analysis showed that by cultivating 30–50 ha with a market value of US$ 78 ton −1 , a return on investment can be made after the first year.