Abstract

Seaweed aquaculture is growing worldwide in coastal areas as an alternative to increasing income and food security. Despite these potentials, there is growing concern about the distribution of net benefits and sustainability of local communities. Consequently, governance must be able to include cross-sectoral dimensions related to aquaculture development given these challenging scenarios. Chile, the main seaweed producer of the western world, is implementing a new policy framework for sustainable development of small-scale seaweed aquaculture, principally through the transfer of funds for artisanal fishermen and small-scale farmers. Although supported by the existing demand for raw material and a reliable technological basis for cultivation, lack of added-value products and low-priced biomass may have a critical impact on the livelihood of those involved in aquaculture operations creating uncertainties for sustainable expansion. This study applied a multi-criteria decision analysis (i.e., hybrid SWOT - AHP analysis) to interpret stakeholders' multidimensional perceptions on policy implementation gaps regarding the current status of Chilean small-scale seaweed aquaculture. Both social and institutional dimensions presented diverging opinions among counterparts with relation to economic, technological and environmental topics. This operating inconsistency will require significant attention on complementary objectives beyond funding, such as innovation, enhancement of commercial channels, the creation of internal markets, mainstreaming, education and social equity. Comprehensive and efficient governance able to promote participatory management may improve its own capabilities to overcome an increasingly unfavourable scenario for small-scale seaweed aquaculture.