Mi casa, su casa: AquaChile welcomes first guests to its Open House

Salmon farming giant AquaChile has opened what is believed to be the Chilean sector’s first visitor centre, in Puerto Natales, Magallanes region, reports Fish Farming Expert's Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.

AquaChile, which produced around 139,000 gutted weight tonnes of Atlantic salmon in 2023 and is also a major coho salmon producer, says the ‘Open House’ seeks to bring the history and impact of this industry closer to the community and to tourists visiting the area.

The company has a processing plant, a smolt facility, and 25 marine site concessions in Magallanes, as well as operations in La Araucanía.

Knowledge and understanding

“This Open House is a milestone for us, as it allows us to get even closer to the community of Magallanes and to the tourists who visit the region,” said AquaChile communications and corporate reputation manager Francisca Ariztia.

“This space is a demonstration of our commitment to transparency, sustainability and the development of the salmon farming industry in southern Chile. We are convinced that, through knowledge and mutual understanding, we can continue to advance in the construction of a responsible industry that is a true contribution to the region and the country.”

Local politicians, officials, and aquaculture suppliers attended the opening.

Puerto Natales mayor Ana Mayorga said the Open House “is another meeting point in our city, for tourism and also for our neighbours. It creates a very important link with the city and the municipality, so that the community can perceive the importance of salmon farming in our city and in our province”.

Torres del Paine mayor Anahí Cárdenas said the centre was important “because many of us who live in the province do not know how salmon farming is carried out, an economic activity that is generating jobs, resources, and that is here to stay”.

Interactive displays

The AquaChile Open House will be an interactive meeting place where visitors will be able to graphically explore the evolution of the salmon farming industry in Chile and its potential, especially in the Magallanes region. 

Open Monday to Saturday and with free entry, the visitor centre will feature a series of images detailing the industry’s journey, technological advances, challenges and the work carried out in conjunction with local communities.

In a social media post, AquaChile chief executive Sady Delgado said: “This is an opportunity to highlight the work of the entire salmon industry, its entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and the valuable contribution of the people who are part of it.”