Abstract

This study was carried out on populations of Macrocystis pyrifera in the Strait of Magellan found under different regimes of wave exposure. To better manage and analyze the data, GIS analysis was used. The study was carried out in Porvenir Bay (53° 18′ S; 70° 24′ W), Tierra del Fuego Island. The samples were collected in transects perpendicular to the shore, using three quadrats of 1 m2. Two populations were studied, one located in the area exposed to wave action and the other in a protected area. Between both populations the following biological parameters were compared: wet weight (kg m-2), density of stipes (m-2), percentage of juvenile and adult individuals, and the length of individuals (m). The population situated at the interior of the bay showed higher values of biomass (p< 0.037), but at the same time a large variability between individuals, large differences within the same populations was not observed in the exposed population (p> 0.995), where there was a uniformity with regards to biomass per m2. Using GIS in the study of natural resources facilitates the visualization, monitoring and analysis of the populations, in contrast with methods conventionally used in field studies.