Chilean salmon-farming firm Blumar has submitted an environmental impact statement (EIS) to Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (SEA), proposing a USD 20 million (EUR 17.8 million) modernization project on its Puyehue fish farm located in the Los Lagos region.
The project would facilitate a higher production of smolts, the company announced in a release without providing specific numbers. The project comprises the construction of additional incubation, fry-rearing, and smoltification facilities. Works also include the incorporation of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology for the biofiltering and reuse of water in its cultivation rooms, while the water treatment system will be enhanced through the incorporation of a system of eight high-efficiency rotofilters.
Since its launch about three years ago, the fish farm has operated by intaking water from the Pilmaiquén River. Once used, the water goes through an advanced filtration and disinfection system and is then returned to the river.
“This [new] technology aims to ensure that the restitution of the resource to the river rigorously complies with quality parameters and current environmental regulations,” Blumar Fresh Water Production Manager Wido Martínez said.
Currently, the fish farm employs 26 employees, most of whom are residents of Puyehue. The expansion project is expected to generate around 75 direct and indirect jobs, with a focus on local hiring and the contracting of local suppliers and services.
“We seek to establish a permanent link that not only energizes the local economy but also brings new generations closer to a sustainable industry, allowing them to project their future work without having to leave their territory,” Martínez said.
Other areas where Blumar has sought to improve local living standards include the installation of a kindergarten, school, and technical high school, as well as human resources training and bolstering the relationship with local communities under initiatives such as professional internship programs, visits to Blumar facilities, training, and more.
