Cultivation and Domestication of Kappaphycus alvarezii Strains at Ubatuba Bay, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil

The red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M. Liao was introduced in Brazil by Professor Édison José de Paula from São Paulo University, in January 1995. The initial tetrasporophytic segments came from Usa Bay, Shikoku Island, Japan, and were originated from commercial crops carried out in the Philippines. The process of domestication has been ongoing since 1995-1996 through the cultivation of brown tetrasporophytic strain into the Experimental Marine Farm of Fisheries Institute, Ubatuba Bay, São Paulo State, Brazil. The initial brown tetrasporophyte originated red and green tetrasporophytic strains, and, after selection of tetraspore progeny, a pale brown gametophytic strain (initially named G11, and later Edison de Paula strain) was also originated. During the domestication process, the occurrence of spontaneous color strains of both diploid and haploid phases was recorded, and environmental data of temperature, salinity, and water transparency at the cultivation site were monitored. Currently, 12 color strains are being cultivated in Ubatuba Bay. The present chapter provides a comprehensive review on cultivation methods, grow rates, productivity, carrageenan yield and characterization of K. alvarezii strains cultivated at Ubatuba Bay. Characterization of these new strains should encompass factors such as refined and semirefined carrageenan content, biofertilizer yield, temperature resilience, epibiont presence, growth rate, yield, and identification of economically valuable biomolecules. To facilitate the preservation of these strains, a biobank with all color strains is implemented in both natural environment and laboratory conditions. These initiatives ensure secure strain storage and supply of K. alvarezii strains for local farmers.