Abstract

Chilean coastline is home for several seaweed commercial resources being collected by artisanal fishermen and their families. To increase abundance of some resources, techniques were developed to repopulate and restore patches of Chondracanthus chamissoi, Sarcothalia crispata and Mazzaella laminarioides (Rhodophyta, Gigartinaceae) in the Centre-South region of Chile (Project Fondef -Huam AQ12I0004). Techniques had to be effective, simple, low cost and respecting environment and natural habitat. Plus, “capacity building” concept was applied to drive training and favor acceptance and application by artisanal fishermen. Small scale systems were installed in areas managed by artisanal fishermen (Biobio Region, Chile, 36°S). For C. chamissoi, blades were directly seeded on small boulders, favouring the formation of secondary attachment discs. For S. crispata, spores were seeded from mature seaweeds tied on small "curtains" raising from the sea floor. For M. laminarioides, spores were seeded on artificial substrata and incubated in laboratory, then juveniles were transferred in drilled perforations on the intertidal rocks. For the training, evaluation sessions were carried on to measure capacity building level developed. Constant training support was given to reinforce basic knowledge on seaweed resources and repopulation techniques proposals. Results have shown similar trends between life-cycle phases, sites and seasons. C. chamissoi formed generally 10-40 secondary discs per boulder which survived for a year. Seeding of S. crispata produced 10-80 juveniles per 100 cm². For M. laminarioides, most transplanted substrata were recovered after a year and still presented juveniles, although only 12,5% showed growing blades. On training, progressive improvement of artisanal fishermen skills were reported. Various levels of engagement and knowledge were distinguished in the course of the project with variation in between members of a similar management area and between management areas.