The salmon industry at Los Lagos Region has reported the death of more than 12.000 tons of fishes, due to the presence of damaging seaweed, known as “Chatonela”.
According to Sernapesca, this phenomenon, known as “Algal bloom”, that has been restricted to the area of the “Seno de Reloncaví” ( zone 2), is now present at the area of Calbuco (zone 3).
The dearth of rains, the increase of temperature of the sea, and the low movement of the tide, have generated the appearance of Algal at the zone, affecting to the salmon industry.
The regional director of Sernapesca at Los Lagos, Eduardo Aguilera, pointed out that it was reported a high rate of mortality, that surpass the 12.000 tons, because of the increase of the blooming of this seaweed.
There are 22 centers at the zone of Reloncaví, and 20 of them have been infected by this seaweed. According to the authority, it is expected the continuity of this phenomenon, due to the persistence of the conditions.
On his behalf, the president of Salmonchile, Felipe Sandoval, explained that this is a natural phenomenon, that happen every year, however, its real consequences still being unknown.
The companies affected by this blooming are Camanchaca, AquaChile, and Blumar Seafoods. On its behalf, Marine Harvest, the Norwegian company, informed that this situation has provoked them a loss of 1.2 million of salmons, but assured that its whole biomass is insured.
The industry has not discarded the restructuring, which could affect small companies, depending of the economic impact.
