SYSTEMIC PERSPECTIVE FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL-SCALE AQUACULTURE IN CHILE

Public initiatives in Chile are promoting Small-Scale Aquaculture (APE, from its Spanish acronym ) and the diversification of cultivated species to explore new products and markets. These actions aim not only to reduce extractive pressure on hydrobiological resources but also to offer productive alternatives to coastal communities, improving their income and quality of life. APE holds significant potential in Chile, with over one hundred thousand hectares available in Management and Exploitation Areas for Benthic Resources (AMERB), aquaculture concessions (CCAA), Marine Coastal Spaces for Indigenous Peoples (ECMPO), and fishing coves. However, transforming this potential into feasible and sustainable projects requires a deep analysis of the diverse dimensions of the APE system to identify key success factors.

 This abstract presents the key results of the "Comprehensive Aquaculture Development Program Study for Artisanal Fishers and Small-Scale Farmers ," executed by IFOP with the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture as the technical counterpart. The general objective of the study is to establish APE development strategies in AMERB and CCAA, specifically for stake holders who are artisanal fishers and/or small-scale farmers.

 Over more than five years of execution, this program has investigated the various dimensions of the APE system – environmental, technological, socio-organizational, economic, and institutional (Figure 1) – to provide scientific and technical information that guides its development. Among the main findings are:

• The suitability of various natural coastal systems for the successful cultivation of algae and bivalves.
• The sensitivity of cultivation profitability to the volume and price of the biomass produced.
• The provision of ecosystem services associated with APE.
• The importance of ensuring seed supply to boost APE and strengthen technology transfer.
• The need to develop socio-organizational capacities for APE implementation.
• The incorporation of APE as a new or complementary practice in artisanal fishing is a medium-term process.
• The potential of polyculture as a productive alternative and climate change mitigation strategy.

 The development and consolidation of  APE  is a medium to long-term process that will require continuous monitoring and sustained support to become a significant economic activity for artisanal fishers and small-scale farmers. This study provides a fundamental scientific and technical basis for guiding this process.