Two phases have been distinguished classically in the history of Latin
American phycological research: the explorer phase characterized by t
he taxonomic work of mainly European and North American scientists, an
d the diversification phase marked by the establishment of resident sc
ientists in the area and the training of a new generation of phycologi
sts in subjects other than taxonomy. Over the last 15 years, Chile has
entered a third phase, characterized by a significant increase in sci
entific and economic activity centered around seaweeds. Seaweed cultiv
ation has been commercialized; raw materials are now locally processed
and economic returns have more than tripled. In addition, some groups
of opportunistic seaweed gatherers have become farmers. Loosely corre
lated with the above developments has been a significant increase in t
he number of scientific and technological studies related to seaweeds,
in the number of professional phycologists and in the specialization
of the various groups. This study first describes these new developmen
ts and the conceptual advances achieved in farming and resource manage
ment. It also emphasizes some socio-economic differences with seaweed
farming in other countries and explores the level of interaction betwe
en the local scientific and productive sectors in view of future devel
opments.