Chile Announces Density Reduction Plan for Salmon Industry - Oceana

Victory | June 20, 2016

Chile Announces Density Reduction Plan for Salmon Industry

The Chilean government, after campaigning by Oceana, announced a density reduction plan for the country’s salmon industry. Salmon pens with high density—large numbers of fish in a small space—have been subject to the rapid spread of diseases and parasites. Salmon farming areas with poor sanitary measures and a high prevalence of diseases in the past year will have to reduce their density by half. It is estimated that with effective implementation of this plan, total density will be reduced by one third by the end of 2016, improving sanitary conditions and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. Oceana has been advocating for the reduction of antibiotics and calling for density reduction and improved sanitary conditions in the industry. Oceana was invited to present before the Commission of Environment in the Chilean Senate regarding malpractice in salmon aquaculture, focusing on high antibiotic use.