This study proposes establishing a methodology for generating algal biomass from spores and gametes of Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyta, Laminariales) on nylon ropes that are 100 m long and 3 mm in diameter, installed on the sea surface. The algae are initially farmed in tanks with seawater of 11 degrees-13 degrees C, pH 8.2, salinity 28-33, radiation 75-100 mu mol m(-2) s(-1), aeration every 20 min, the addition of nutrients (NaNO3 and Na3PO4), and a 12:12 photoperiod. Twenty days after beginning the cultivation, male gametophytes were 17 mu m long by 2.5 mu m in diameter, and female gametophytes were 10.5 mu m by 7.5 mu m. After 60 days of cultivation, the elongated laminar sporophytes were 412 mu m by 103 mu m. After 195 days, ropes with 2500 mu m long sporophytes were installed in the sea at 1 m depth (intermediate cultivation phase), obtaining specimens 36 cm in length after 30 days. Of these specimens, 46 individuals between 30 and 40 cm in size were selected and tied to a 15 m long guide rope that was installed on the surface by means of buoys and anchored to the bottom. After three months, these specimens reached sizes of more than 3 m in length, with abundant laminate biomass surface, reaching an average of 7 kg per specimen, lacking stipes, and with holdfasts of a few centimeters. The surface technique used avoids the herbivory by crustaceans and sea urchins that occurs when the initial developmental stages are done on the seafloor.