Abstract

This work gives an overview of the development of Small Scale Rural Aquaculture (ARPE) in the IX Region of the Araucania-Chile. The availability of natural resources and its legal and administrative problems, are discussed. The ARPE, has not received the same attention as the industrial-level aquaculture, although the ARPE achieved its most important expansion in the IX Region during recent years. It is recognized that ARPE is an alternative production system that could provide an adequate supply of protein and complementary income for persons of low-income. The paper gives a brief history of the development of rural aquaculture in the IX Region and a technical analysis of 44 registered fish farms. This paper concludes with an analysis of advantages and disadvantages in the development of ARPE in Chile and in the IX Region.