Spores re-suspending technology, a new system improving spore seeding for culture of commercial red seaweeds

In the present study we introduce the development and implementation of a new technology for improving the seeding in the spore-based cultures on red algae (excluding Porphyra), using a spore re-suspending technology (SRT). Such technology has two operation differences with the current methods: (i) it allows the use of vertically placed frames, and (ii) resuspends the spores not yet settled from the bottom of the tanks. Using as model the carrageenophyte species Mazzaella laminarioides, the SRT was compared beside a conventional method using horizontally placed frames at the bottom of the tanks as control, considering settlement, germination, growth, efficiency and productivity. The results showed that both the vertical position of the frames and the spore resuspension did not have a negative effect on the spore settlement, germination and growth, being as effective and productive as the conventional methods. In addition, the design of the SRT allows to inoculate more substrate without increasing the initial reproductive thalli mass. Therefore, this technology opens new possibilities for the spore-based cultures of red algae, and could be adapted to different species, dimensions and volumes.