Evaluation of the reproductive potential of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Gracilariales: Rhodophyta) in San Andres, Pisco-Peru

Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (known in Perú as “pelillo”) is a red seaweed of economic importance recognized for providing a wide variety of services. The aim of this work is to evaluate the reproductive potential (RP) of individuals of the species extracted from Playa San Andrés, Pisco-Peru through the spore release technique; for this purpose, samples of the species were taken in areas far from the shore (A, B and C) and spore release was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The results of this study indicate that the shore conditions would be favorable for the maturity of reproductive structures and spore release in this species, conditioned by water physicochemical parameters, highlighting temperature and salinity among them. An average of 274.91 ± 1.52 cystocarps g^-1,14 950.08 ± 271.13 spores g^-1, and a reproductive potential of 154,097.94 spores g^-1 were counted. Further research can complement this work in order to propose management plans.