Abstract

In this study, we analyze the economic feasibility of commercial cultivation of the red seaweed Agarophyton chilensis in northern Chile. This macroalga grows naturally on the Chilean coast and has been cultivated for several years. However, to achieve a sustainable exploitation over time, it is necessary to increase the effectiveness of the commercial cultivation of this seaweed. In order to carry this out, we study a system of bottom cultivation in 6.4 ha of sea in the Coquimbo Region, north of Chile. Our results suggest that cultivation is cost effective under the conditions used for the majority of commercial cultures of this type in Chile. We found that the culture provides a positive net present value, but only in the long term, specifically if the cultivation continues operating for at least 8 years. Finally, results show that saving money in all steps of the production process is important to improve the profitability of this culture.