Thousands of tonnes at risk
Chile: Although the government has been reaching agreements with fishermen affected by the red tide in some communes, the salmon industry is virtually paralyzed in Chiloé, where a significant part of its production capacity is located.
Felipe Sandoval, president of the Association of the Chilean Salmon Industry (Salmonchile), said that there is no progress in the dialogue and operations remain paralyzed in the most important area for the industry, especially in Quellón and other parts of the Chiloé Island, as well as in Calbuco.
According to the information published in Diario Financiero, Sandoval explained that the main problem is that much of the processing plants in the area remain without operation, creating problems throughout the preliminary stages of the production chain.
He said close to 800 000 fish -equivalent to about 4,000 tonnes of salmon, are at risk of loss. This biomass is located in pre harvesting pens, without food, which by regulation cannot remain there longer than seven days. However, given the current situation, this biomass has been there for 14 days, which represent a higher risk of disease infection.
A similar situation is affecting freshwater sites in the area, which are having trouble to obtain oxygen and fish feed supplies.
Those communes that have not reached an agreement with the Government are Ancud, Quellón, Calbuco and Carelmapu. Anyway, the coordinator minister for this conflict, Luis Felipe Céspedes, said that he is in advanced talks with leaders in those areas.
