Tourism to take prioty over salmon farm plans
The Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) Raul Súnico, decided to withdraw the proposal for the installation of five licenses across 80 hectares of coastal waters.
He explained: "We have withdrawn our proposal because we understand that the community of Tortel has decided to develop tourism as centerpiece for its development and, as we understand, salmon production do not fit that priority.
"This is a government that listens and understands that the development of certain economic activities should be made taking into account the opinion of local stakeholders. The salmon farming industry is an important economic activity in Chile, not only for the employment and income it generates but because it has been a cornerstone of development in the regions where it has been operating. However, it should also grow and develop in harmony with the environment."
Salmon farming is currently the third most important economic activity in Chile, with an export value of US$4.2 billion in 2014. The Aysén region accounts for 54 per cent of the salmon licenses of the southernmost regions and in this area 49 per cent of all the country's salmon is produced.
The Undersecretary stated: "In order to maintain these economic figures, with adequate health and environmental conditions, it is necessary to improve the license granting system. We need to start the process of relocation of salmon licenses and so we are proposing to create new sites in the north of the Region of Aysén (41 in total) and for this task we already have the commitment of the Regional Governor".
