Puerto Montt, Chile-based salmon farmer Multiexport Foods will end its smolt production in fresh water lakes in the south of Chile, citing sustainability concerns surrounding these operations. The change is planned for 2020.
In a statement, the company confirmed that the decision has been unanimously approved by its board of directors. The company currently has three concessions to produce coho salmon smolts in freshwater lakes in the south of Chile – two are in the Llanquihue Lake and the other is in Lake Rupanco.
In a press release, Multiexport CEO Andrés Lyon highlighted the importance of the decision, which shows the prioritization of environmental matters and sustainability in the company’s operation.
“It’s a very important advance in sustainability matters and [the company’s] commitment to the environment, and also attends to the concerns of some of the industry’s stakeholders, regarding operations in the lakes,” Lyon said.
Furthermore, the company confirmed the decision demonstrates that it has the financial position and technical resources to make its smolt production model viable outside of these lakes, and demonstrates a larger concept of its core values.
“Our long-term development plan has three central pillars; innovation, sustainability and responsible production. With this decision we continue advancing in our leadership position and show our commitment with the communities, contributing to the improvement of tourism attractions on the shores of the Llanquihue and Rupanco Lakes,” Lyon added.
