Photo: Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Chile
The Senate passed a bill that prevents and sanctions the escape of salmon
CHILE
Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 06:40 (GMT + 9)
This important bill also implies a better transparency of the sector's information, in terms of matters such as: use of antibiotics, antiparasitics, mortalities and production.
Photo: Terram Foundation
After exactly four years of processing in Congress, the initiative -originated in a motion- that seeks to toughen the regulation applied to the massive escapes of salmonids from farming centers, was finally dispatched into lawand is one step away from its promulgation and entry in effect.
This important bill also implies a better transparency of the sector's information, in terms of matters such as: use of antibiotics, antiparasitics, mortalities and production.
In this context, the Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Julio Salas, said: "This bill is a great step forward for the protection of the marine ecosystem as it prevents farmed salmon from preying on and transmitting pathogens to wild species, also protecting the activity of artisanal fishing".
"Before it was believed that the escape of salmon was a private problem, but it is an inconvenience that can have a direct impact on the environment and the surrounding communities, and with this regulation a path is being drawn towards a more sustainable, safe and transparent," added the sectoral authority.
Four years ago, at least 800,000 salmon escaped from a farming center in the Lake District, causing concern among the authorities. Source: Youtube / T13 (Video in Spanish)
Among other aspects, the new regulations establish a fine whose value will be equivalent to the harvest value of the escaped specimens that are not recaptured. Additionally, there is a risk of suspension of operations in the center for a period of between one and four years, and for this the number of escaped salmon, recaptured specimens, previous events or other criteria considered by the competent authority will be considered.
The articles also specify that the person in charge must finance the monitoring of specimens of the escaped species for two years to determine the derived effects.
Source: Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Chile
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