Salmon farming cages. (Photo: AquaChile)

AquaChile rejects expiry for non-use of aquaculture concessions

CHILE
Wednesday, October 31, 2012, 03:50 (GMT + 9)

The salmon company AquaChile rejected expiry system due to the lack of use of aquaculture concessions applied by the government, arguing that it is contrary "to the foundations of the current production model."

Currently, the authority is assessing the possibility of bidding on these centres for the future in order to increase competitiveness in the fisheries sector.

At the company led by entrepreneur Victor Hugo Puchi it was assured that the new regulation on densities that the Government would implement before the end of the year should be simple, easy to apply and be in force shortly.

"Today there is broad agreement on a simple and practical formula on the issue of density," the salmon firm pointed out.

He added in the document released by Estrategia, "The agreement is based on the mortality rate of the period to define the stock for the next period."

While there are no indicators to be implemented in each concession and/or neighbourhood and science and the appropriate research to create them, "it will not be possible to discuss a formula that is different from that of the mortality rates to establish neighbourhood densities," added AquaChile.

In addition, it was argued that there is a different interpretation from that of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) on Article 86 of the Act, which refers to the establishment of neighbourhood densities.

For AquaChile, the text states "setting the maximum number of fish to enter the set of structures each neighbourhood has and not each structure."

"This difference implies substantially different rules, but we must resolve it as soon as possible for it to be properly implemented," concluded the Chilean salmon firm.

Furthermore, in early October AquaChile pledged to get certified under global standards of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the highest environmental and social standards in the world.

"Adopting a commitment to work toward this certification for our company will mean to devote significant efforts and resources to that end," said Alfonso Marquez de la Plata, general manager of the company.

"However, we are convinced that this is the right way to move towards a more harmonious aquaculture with the environment and an easier one to understand and appreciate for the community at large," the executive continued saying.

Related article:

- AquaChile, first salmon firm to commit to achieving ASC certification
 

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

 AquaChile S.A. - Group Headquarters

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