What's included
- Site assessment: temperature, upwelling, wave exposure, depth and productive suitability.
- Design of the suspended (longline) cultivation system and its anchoring.
- Seed production and planning of sea deployment.
- Operating, monitoring, biofouling-control and record-keeping protocols.
- Integration with AMERB management plans and restocking projects.
- Environmental metrics and a baseline for blue-carbon projects.
Case study: Los Vilos Bay
In Los Vilos Bay (Coquimbo Region) we carried out the technical assessment of a suspended Macrocystis pyrifera farming system combined with red sea-urchin restocking, in partnership with the Region IV Artisanal Fishers' Association.
- Semi-enclosed bay with active coastal upwelling.
- Sea temperature of 13–16 °C and depths of 5–20 m.
- Estimated kelp growth of 20–30 cm per day under favorable conditions.
Why farm seaweed
Seaweed farming diversifies the income of fisher organizations, reduces pressure on wild kelp beds and can feed sea urchins and other benthic resources in integrated projects. In Chile, Law 20,925 provides a bonus for seaweed restocking and farming for artisanal fishers and their organizations holding AMERBs or aquaculture concessions.
Frequently asked questions
Which seaweeds can be farmed in the Coquimbo Region?
The most relevant are giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and pelillo. Feasibility depends on each site, so we start by assessing temperature, wave exposure and depth.
How fast does giant kelp grow?
At the site assessed in Los Vilos Bay we estimated growth of 20–30 cm per day under favorable conditions. Every site must be assessed separately.
Can seaweed be farmed inside an AMERB?
Yes, as long as the activity is authorized in the area's management plan approved by Subpesca.
Updated October 18, 2026 · Samaki Consultores SpA