The Impact of Salmon Farming on Chile’s Ecosystem and Economy

The Serene Yet Troubling Waters of Quinchao

The sea lies tranquil as dusk envelops Tarsicio Antezana’s home island of Quinchao, located in the picturesque southern region of Chile. In the distance, snow-capped volcanoes are bathed in a deep violet hue, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of nature as the sun sets. However, amid this serene backdrop, Mr. Antezana, a retired oceanographer, cannot shake off a troubling sight. Out in the water, a series of small, rectangular structures stretches across the surface, gently swaying with the tide. To the untrained eye, these may seem innocuous, but Mr. Antezana knows all too well what they signify: a salmon farm.

Below the surface, the high-density net cages are bustling with thousands of salmon. Such farms are a common sight in Los Lagos, the heart of aquaculture in Chile. The South American nation proudly holds the title of the leading exporter of farmed salmon to the United States. However, these popular fish are not indigenous to this region, and numerous environmentalists and activists have long voiced concerns about the detrimental impact of these farms on local ecosystems and the threat they pose to native wildlife.

The roots of large-scale salmon farming in Chile can be traced back to the 1970s. At that time, a young scientist, Mr. Antezana, was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of cultivating these fish. He proactively advised the government to establish baseline studies and urged caution regarding potential ecological and health risks associated with this burgeoning industry.

Over the past four decades, Mr. Antezana has witnessed the salmon farming sector evolve into one of the world’s foremost producers of farmed salmon. In the previous year, farmed salmon emerged as Chile’s second-largest export, generating an impressive $6.5 billion in revenue. This phenomenon marks an economic success story significantly influenced by U.S. consumers, who are increasingly indulging in Chilean salmon; indeed, 2022 set a record for consumption, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Almost half of the farmed salmon enjoyed in the United States is sourced from the fjords of Chile, highlighting the deep interconnection between the two regions.