Chile production ‘has reached record levels’
Atlantic salmon production has reached record levels in Chile over the last six months, according to aquaculture information management firm Aquabench.
The company’s general manager, Joel Leal, highlighted the performance of the industry during the opening of Aquabench’s new office in Puerto Montt.
“We had never had such good levels and it has been a very good period for the sector,” he told Fish Farming Expert’s Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.
Harvest weights rising
“Harvest weights have been increasing month by month, kilos of fish per smolt entered the sea have also exhibited a significant rise, and mortalities have remained at a low level. The fish have recorded average harvest weights of 5.3kg, with productivities over 4.4-4.5kg per smolt,” said the executive.
Leal attributes these improvements to several factors, including better control of lice numbers through a combination of product use, coordination and the work of different actors.
He also explained that health improvements have been seen in fish linked to the management of SRS, with lower mortalities.
Open and friendly space
Last Friday Aquabench, which focuses on the management of production and health information for the industry, opened its new offices in Puerto Montt, the salmon farming capital of Chile.
Leal said the offices would be an open and friendly place for the company’s collaborators. The concept of the space is “that ideas flow”, to strengthen teamwork and develop and improve products and services.
“We want to continue growing and consolidating our services, not only in seawater and processing plants, our two most important areas so far, but also in freshwater, marketing and sales of processed salmon,” said Leal.
Aquabench’s services include production information, development of projects in the areas of biosecurity and productivity, and biosecurity audits in the production processes within salmon farming.
