June 13, 2024

Chilean salmon producers relieved as land transfer rejected

Producers in Chile's salmon industry are relieved after a key commission rejected demands to hand over land and water areas to indigenous groups in the Los Lagos region, Fish Farmer reported.

The commission's decision is seen as crucial for maintaining the industry's operations and protecting the interests of those who work within it.

The commission's meeting, which lasted several hours, followed a march by 5,000 union members opposing the proposed transfer of control. Both unions and salmon companies said that while they recognise the needs of indigenous groups, transferring significant control over these areas would disproportionately benefit a small number of people and negatively impact many workers in the salmon sector, the mussel industry, and local fishermen.

In a separate development, Chile's environmental agency, the Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente (SMA), has directed the salmon industry to implement measures at approximately 255 salmon centres to prevent excess production or face substantial fines. This directive comes after findings revealed that some companies had been exceeding legal production limits.

The SMA has introduced an algorithm system to monitor activities at these centres. Companies will receive warnings if they approach production limits.

-      Fish Farmer