The genus Sargassum plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Furthermore, selected species are known to be sources of a number of bioactive compounds. Since pollution, global warming and overexploitation have threatened naturally occurring beds of many species, developing cultivation strategies is an essential step to preserve the natural beds and allow for sustainable development for the supply of raw material. This study reports on the development of cultivation techniques for Sargassum filipendula C. Agardh. Experiments were conducted to evaluate: I - Germlings release at three different temperatures (18, 24 and 30 ºC) with and without aeration; II - Survival and development of seedlings at five different culture densities (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 seedlings cm-2); III - Growth of seedlings under three levels of irradiation using artificial lights (25, 50 and 100 µmol photons m-2 s-1); IV - Survival and growth of plantlets cultivated at tank with and without nutrient pulse and at sea.
A combination of 24 °C with aeration was found the best condition for germlings release. Best survival and growth rate was found at 45 seedlings cm-2. These seedlings showed highest growth rates when cultivated in irradiances of 50 and 100 µmol photons m-2 s-1. When dealing with plantlets, no significant differences of growth rate were found among plantlets cultivated at tank with and without nutrient pulse and at sea. However, plantlets cultivated at tank whithout nutrient pulse presented greater survival. This study provides evidence of favorable conditions for cultivation in the different phases of the life cycle of S. filipendula.