Salmon Aquaculture

Salmon Aquaculture

History

Salmon aquaculture was first introduced into Chile in 1976, when 500,00 Coho Salmon Roe were imported to the country. By 1985, 36 farms were operating in Chile. The following year saw economic success with production at 2,100 tons per year. In 1990, to make the process more sustainable species reproduction was introduced, marking the first significant scientific breakthrough.

Process

Chilean salmon aquaculture mirrors farming on land. That is why most people call it “fish farming.” The Coho salmon begin the lifecycle in freshwater hatcheries. Then the fish are released into giant nets placed in the sea. The salmon live 10 to 20 months in the nets eating specific feed before being harvested for sale.

Location

The primary spot for “fish farming” in Chile resides off the coast of Patagonia. The hundreds of farms are a mainstay in Chile’s economy ranking as the 3rd largest export.

Fish farming economics article                                           Verlasso’s website                                        WorldWildlife picture

Bio:

Sam Reinertsen created this page. He lives in Marin County, CA and is a freshman at Davidson College. He enjoys food and all of the different discussion that surround the topic. His major is undecided, but knows he will not be studying science.

Resources: http://www.salmonchile.cl/en/historia-en-chile.php

http://www.salmonfarming.org/the-cycle-of-salmon/