The seaweed resources of Peru

The coast of Peru (3.5–18°S) is one of the most productive marine areas in the world. The updated seaweed checklist reports a total of 260 specific/intraspecific taxa, of which the Rhodophyta show the highest number (185 species), followed by Chlorophyta (41 species) and Phaeophyceae (34 species). Since 2012, an increase in molecular studies has been reported mostly in Rhodophyta, while Chlorophyta and Phaeophyceae have lagged far behind. Utilization of seaweed resources has been based on artisanal collection from natural beds. These are mainly consumed fresh or salt-dried (Chondracanthus chamissoi and Porphyra/Pyropia species), or exported for polysaccharide extraction (Lessonia nigrescens, Lessonia trabeculata, Macrocystis pyrifera). Although some regulations for brown seaweed extraction exist, overexploitation is a constant threat that must be addressed. Biomass from seaweed farms accounts, at most, for only 4% of the total annual landings, and there is a decreasing trend on seaweed aquaculture production since 2012. However, some cultivation projects for C. chamissoi and Porphyra/Pyropia species are currently being undertaken. In addition, recent studies have started to explore new uses of commercial and non-commercial seaweeds. Uncovering the Peruvian seaweed diversity and establishing well sustained culture and management projects are essential for utilizing and preserving the seaweed resources of Peru.

Ecological Characteristic of Brown Algae Communities – Potential Aquaculture Objects

The benthic brown algae communities in coastal zone of southwest part of the Barents Sea have been studied. Research was carried out on the structure of benthic phytocenosis on the Murman coast in which edificators are brown seaweeds of the orders Fucales and Laminariales. The study focused on the dynamics of populations, size and age features against influence of the basic ecological factors on growth of commercial seaweeds - potential objects of mariculture. It is established that benthic phytocenosis on certain biotopes of littoral and sublittoral zones characterize by relativity high species diversity. The populations of commercial seaweeds form the multilevel structured benthic communities. The algae populations create topical, trophic and mediative connections which provide for steady stability of benthic communities. The use of plant community rather than individual algae species as biological indicators and biomonitors allows obtaining more complete information about the ecological state of benthic coastal ecosystem. The information collected can be used for the biological monitoring of marine bioresources in natural benthic communities, and also for cultivation of brown seaweeds under conditions of aquaculture.