Opportunities for, and constraints on, commercial cultivation of Gracilaria: policy options

Abstract

An increasing interest in marine farming, together with the potential for Gracilaria cultivation raises several issues for management agencies. On the one hand there is a range of potential benefits, and on the other there are potential costs. Government agencies need to determine the full range of advantages and disadvantages and use this information to develop a policy for Gracilaria farming that will maximise social welfare.

This study provides a critical evaluation of the potential for commercial cultivation of Gracilaria. The supply of, and demand for, this resource are established. Aspects that are important to decision makers are addressed, of both the biology of Gracilaria and the methods of farming available. The social costs and benefits of farming this seaweed are identified where they differ from private costs and benefits. Management strategies are examined that attempt to eliminate this divergence and so maximise social welfare. Present policy and administrative arrangements are identified, along with constraints on Gracilaria farming, and an infrastructure required to develop this industry. Three policy options are examined with reference to the material provided in this analysis.

The findings show that the lack of local experience in Gracilaria farming places constraints and uncertainties on both entrepreneurs and decision makers. Local research and experience is required to resolve these constraints and uncertainties.