Chilean salmon farms face pressure to relocate from national parks.
Chile’s salmon farming industry is under increasing pressure to relocate operations from national parks and reserves. With 408 farming concessions within protected areas, including 29 in national parks, the debate over the location of these farms has intensified, according to an article from the BBC.
The Chilean salmon industry, concentrated in the south of the country, is a major economic contributor, with exports worth $6.4 billion in 2024, making it the country’s third-largest export.
However, concerns regarding the environmental impact of these farms have grown, particularly in the Chilean Patagonia region, where many farms are located in fjords that are part of national parks or reserves.
Environmental groups, including the Terram Foundation, have been vocal in calling for the removal of salmon farms from national parks, citing pollution caused by fish waste and feed. Flavia Liberona, executive director of Terram, has emphasized the environmental risks, stating that the waste from these farms leads to oxygen depletion in the water, damaging marine life in and around the farms.
In response, Arturo Clements, chairman of Salmón Chile, has acknowledged the challenges but stressed that the farms in national parks are not currently in operation. He stated that the industry has requested the government relocate these farms, but the process has been slow, largely due to bureaucratic delays.
Efforts underway
The Chilean government has acknowledged the issue. Julio Salas Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, confirmed that efforts are underway to remove farms from national parks, but he noted that the relocation process is complex and can take years.
Despite these challenges, Chilean salmon producers are optimistic about the future. With global demand for farmed salmon projected to grow by 40% by 2033, there is pressure for the industry to expand. Yet, the regulatory environment remains uncertain, with stakeholders calling for a clearer long-term strategy.
Experts suggest that clearer regulations could help ease tensions. Matt Craze, founder of Spheric Research, commented on the need for a more predictable regulatory framework. “Chile’s salmon industry would invest more money if they felt that there was a better regulatory framework, and the government gave some certainty about the areas where they can farm,” Craze said.
As Chile heads into a general election later this year, the future of the salmon farming industry remains uncertain. With the demand for sustainable seafood growing globally, the outcome of regulatory debates will likely shape the trajectory of Chile’s salmon farming sector in the years to come.