Chile’s fisheries regulator Sernapesca has opened an investigation into a suspected salmon escape at Lake Llanquihue, Los Lagos region, following a public complaint.
The agency is conducting both documentary and on-site inspections, Sernapesca’s Los Lagos regional director Cristian Hudson said. No fish farm operator at the lake has reported an escape to the regulator, Hudson said.
Two companies operate at the lake: Caleta Bay Agua Dulce and Salmones Camanchaca, with three centres between them.
Under Chilean aquaculture regulations, companies must notify Sernapesca immediately when an escape occurs and activate contingency plans. Failure to report in time carries regulatory sanctions.
If an escape is confirmed and operators failed to notify the regulator, Sernapesca said it will pursue sanctions for non-disclosure. The agency has not named a suspect company.