The Chilean government continues to work toward changing the rules governing salmon aquaculture in the country.
Eduardo Riquelme, the head of Chile’s Sub-Secretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) met with his country’s commercial salmon farmers last week to present a revised proposal that would reduce the density of salmon in the industry’s farming operations. The proposal was first floated in August, deeply dividing the industry between those companies that would benefit from the new plan and those that would be punished. The authorities were rumored to be attempting to push through an earlier proposal that would have halved the allowable limit, but opened the process to greater discussion after many salmon farmers expressed concern.
According to an official statement, the proposal looks to safeguard sanitary aspects of these activities, in order to reduce outbreaks of disease or pests. Subpesca believes that by moderating the number of salmon allowed in each pen there can be a significant reduction in sanitary incidents.
In a new concession to the industry, Riquelme promised a trade-off for companies with good sanitary results. The revised proposal considers three major parameters for the reforms. First, companies can voluntarily agree to limit density, with a basic premise that companies showing better sanitary performance will see their density requirements lowered at a lessened rate. Secondly, authorities will review the growth of different farmers over time, with centers that have not suffered more than 10 percent losses of salmon receiving better conditions. Lastly, different growth rates will be considered in a case-by-case basis. A company might be limited to only three percent increases in density or up to 12 percent, based on sanitary results and whether treatments have been applied, according to Subpesca.
In the 9 October meeting, Riquelme reminded salmon firms that this new proposal takes into account comments gathered from companies, and that after reviewing the current proposal companies could respond through 28 October. Following this deadline, Subpesca will host another joint meeting 16 November to discuss the final plan.
Photo courtesy of Subpesca
