The sporophytes grew in both culture systems during the
whole study period, although there were differences in
final size and biomass. The thalli, developed from both the
direct and indirect method, were attached to the ropes
through basal disks from which the fronds originated
(Fig. 2). However, it was possible to observe that the basal
disks were bigger, at least double in size, for the indirect
compared to the direct cultivation method. No epiphytes
or biofouling were seen during autumn and winter months;
however, this situation changed during spring, starting in
October, when the bryozoan Membranipora isabelleana
became frequent on the distal portions of the fronds. At
the end of the experiments, detachment of algae was
scarce and the culture ropes were densely covered with
sporophytes.