The interest in G. chilensis biomass production is likely to keep
increasing. Agar industry will continue to be the basis for the exploitation
of this natural resource; nevertheless, promising new market applications
for Gracilaria species, such as the extraction of MAAs for sunblock
cosmetics (Cardozo et al., 2007), or as alternative protein source in fish
feeds (Valente et al., 2006) have come to light. It is thus crucial to pay a
closer look to the management of this resource and improve its
profitability. Cultivation of G. chilensis in long-lines within an IMTA
system was proven more advantageous than in the traditional bottom culture; this seaweed's productivity and physiological performancewere
greatly improved
Production and profitability are normally the main factors taken into
account before making an economic investment. Simple calculations
based on this work and on the current commercial value of G. chilensis
biomass (Buschmann et al., 2008b) point to an expected income of
nearly 6 times more the initial investment necessary for a 100 ha
G. chilensis seaweed farm. The maintenance of an environmental
balance, although still not legislated andwith nomoney costs, is already
being used as a marketing approach by several companies and is
currently under public debate