Lack of practice in commercial cultivation of macroalgae in Brazil allied with an increased demand for phycocolloids in the national market is met by importing algae and cropping from natural beds, especially on the Northeastern coast. Seeking to establish small scale cultivation for the use of coastal communities, experimental cultivation was implanted with H. musciformis on Marambaia Island, Rio de Janeiro (43º59'35'' W - 23º04'00'' S). Nine different techniques for fixation of algae to ropes were tested in the experimental mariculture units (EMU). Experiments carried out from spring 2003 to fall 2004 yielded generally negative growth rates while experiments conducted from winter 2004 to winter 2005 yielded positive growth rates. Phytobenthos near the EMU were analyzed to verify the growth of this species in the assemblage and in cultivation. A higher percentage of amphipods and of organic matter was observed in the EMU as well as the presence of carposporophytes during low salinity periods at both sites. This low yield was attributed to environmental factors such as rough seas, adherence of organic matter to the algae, herbivory and EMU damages caused by anthropic activities. Fixing the algae with a clamp was the easiest and cheapest technique. Successful cultivation of H. musciformis can only be achieved through consciousness raising in the coastal community and payment for this activity.
Mariculture; macroalgae; H. musciformis; carrageenan; Marambaia Island
