The Challenge: Advancing Sustainable Aquaculture

The global food system relies heavily on fertile land for food production, but most of it is already in use. With a growing population and increasing food demand, it’s essential to explore complementary solutions.

The Sustainable marine aquaculture emerges as a key alternative—especially considering that the ocean currently provides only 2% of the world’s food supply.

In Chile, seaweed forests play a critical role in coastal ecosystems. They serve as habitat and food for more than 100 marine species , including 25 reef fish species, and also provide essential ecosystem services such as:

• Carbon capture, helping to mitigate climate change
• Nutrient pollution reduction in coastal waterways
• Support for local economies through seaweed harvesting and trade

Recent studies estimate that in northern Chile alone, the ecosystem services of two wild seaweed species generate an annual value of USD 540 million (Cuba et al., 2022)—highlighting their environmental and economic importance.

The Opportunity: Toward a Sustainable Aquaculture Model

This presents a unique opportunity to strengthen a sustainable aquaculture industry that boosts economic development in coastal communities while protecting marine ecosystems.

To move in this direction, Mayma and The Nature Conservancy Chile (TNC) are co-creating a shared vision and roadmap for the development of a seaweed aquaculture industry in Chile.

The work focuses on:

• Identifying economic and social opportunities to improve coastal livelihoods.
• Assessing technical challenges and the investments needed in infrastructure and support services
• Analyzing market potential and growth opportunities.
• Recommending public policy strategies to scale sustainable aquaculture

Through this initiative, we aim to establish an efficient, responsible, and conservation-aligned seaweed industry—balancing production, environmental preservation, and community well-being.

Our Approach

At Mayma Azul, we combine research and fieldwork to unlock the potential of seaweed farming in Chile. Together with The Nature Conservancy Chile (TNC), we are exploring this opportunity in a country that leads in aquaculture production but also faces environmental and economic challenges due to extractive models.

Between June and November 2024, we developed a project to define a roadmap for sustainable seaweed aquaculture. In Phase 1, we conducted:

• A thorough diagnostic with field visits to seaweed-harvesting communities in Chile’s Los Lagos Region (Region X)
• 82 interviews with key stakeholders and a detailed market analysis
• A public engagement event to expand the dialogue on sustainable aquaculture

Our approach helped surface economic, social, and environmental opportunities—highlighting the key role of women in the seaweed value chain.