Adaptações técnicas no sistema de cultivo da macroalga Gracilaria birdiae e modificação do estatuto da gestão da AMBAP em Pitangui-Extremoz-RN

Abstract

Algae are part of the human diet, mainly among Eastern peoples, but they are also consumed in the West. Macroalgae have a relevant environmental value, constituting an important link in the food chain of marine aquatic environments.The genus Gracilaria belongs to the division of red algae (Rhodophyta), it is economically important to produce agar, which is a phycocolloid used in the food and biomedical industries. Several species of this genus are cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions. Algae of the genus Gracilaria have a good nutritional profile, are antioxidants and antimicrobials.Due to its potential, macroalgae of the species Gracilaria birdiae can be applied in the development of food products, providing excellent dietary fiber. Macroalgae mariculture, also known as seaweed cultivation, has been developed in northeastern Brazil due to its great economic and sustainable potential.However, like any activity, macroalgae mariculture faces both technical and social challenges, especially considering the post-pandemic period. The work carried out was developed in partnership with the Pitangui Mariculture and Algae Processing Association (AMBAP), located in the municipality of Extremoz-RN.Cultivation was carried out using a Modular System of floating rafts. Each raft measures 18 x 3 meters, made up of six 3 x 3 meter modules. In each module, six tubular nets are installed that accommodate the algae for growth and subsequent collection.The rafts were built with PVC tubes with lids (floating structures), 8 mm nylon ropes, 6 mm silk ropes. After monitoring the studies, technical changes were made to the system, for example, in the weight of the anchoring system, specifically in the garatéias (anchors), since the area chosen for the cultivation of the macroalgae Gracilaria birdiae is an open sea area with an incidence of waves and presence of sea currents. External activities were also carried out for management at AMBAP, external to the statute format, and also improved the group's actions in terms of productivity.