BROWN SEAWEEDS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN NORTHERN CHILE: VALUES OF GOODS AND SERVICES OF THE ECOSYSTEM  

Kelp beds, besides being one of the most important benthic resources in northern Chile, provide a variety of environmental goods and services. In order to evaluate economically the wild kelp populations in northern Chile (26° to 32° S) more than Lessonia spp and Macrocystis pyrifera: (1) market value of biomass as a source of raw material for extraction of alginic acid, (2) market value of associated species of economic importance, (3) value as a source of scientific information, (4) value as a climate buffer (CO₂ capture and release of O₂), (5) value of associated biodiversity (non-commercial species), (6) value as cultural heritage, (7) value as a reservoir of biodiversity (Table 1). Existence values of kelp beds which estimate the willingness of citizens to pay and work without payment to preserve the ecosystem, were calculated using the contingent valuation technique. The results indicate that kelp beds in northern Chile have a total value of US $ 540 million. Of this total, kelp fishery accounts for 75% and associated species fisheries account for 15%. In this context, the economic value of Chilean kelp beds is mainly associated with the industry of alginate extraction. By contrast, existence value as a source of scientific information or environmental buffer for CO₂ capture or O₂ production represents only 9% of the total value, representing a very low relative importance to society (Table 2).

Lately, the culture of brown algae for restoration of natural populations, experimental culture for biofuels, and food for sea urchins and abalone growth, significantly increase the value of ecosystem services of brown seaweeds. The economic valuation of coastal resources and marine ecosystems is a complementary tool for decision-making and implementation of public policies related to the increase the natural and under culture biomass production, conservation of natural beds and sustainable exploitation of renewable resources and their ecosystems.