Esteban Ramírez, General Manager of Intesal, participated in the Sustainability Report presentation together with Arturo Clément, President of SalmonChile.
Photo: SalmonChile.
Arturo Clément, President of SalmonChile, and Esteban Ramírez, General Manager of Intesal - SalmonChile's Salmon Technology Institute - presented in Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, southern Chile, the IX edition of its Sustainability Report in which, among other important achievements, they highlighted that 100% of SalmonChile members' biomass harvested in 2023 was certified under international sustainability standards.
The report, which brings together the main economic, health, environmental, and community work indicators of the actions carried out by the member production companies during 2023, also highlighted other achievements such as the 30% decrease in the use of antibiotics, or the investment of more than CLP 7,000 million (EUR 6.7 million / USD 7.3 million) in R&D&I-related matters.
According to SalmonChile, this IX Sustainability Report 2023 is an exercise in transparency and commitment by its member companies and the industry to the country and the communities in which they operate.
In this context, its President, Arturo Clément, emphasized that "this document is a demonstration of the commitment we have to transparency and good practices to continue advancing along a path that we began years ago and whose main objective is to be leaders in matters such as sustainability and relations with the communities that are part of salmon farming in the southern part of the country."
Thus, during the presentation, the Chilean Salmon Industry Association highlighted the advances in sustainability, community development, and the implementation of new technologies in salmon farming production processes achieved last year.
"We are very pleased that companies continue to promote actions along these lines," Clément added.
Regarding the specific advances achieved in 2023, the first highlighted in the report was that 100% of the biomass harvested last year in Chile by the Association's members was certified under international standards. All member companies comply with certifications such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), and/or Global G.A.P., thus guaranteeing that all production follows the highest quality and sustainability standards.
As mentioned, SalmonChile also highlighted the increase in R&D&I investment last year. During 2023, CLP 7,373 million (EUR 7 million / USD 7.7 million) was invested in projects and initiatives related to this matter. Compared to the CLP 6,048 million (EUR 5.7 million / USD 6.3 million) allocated in 2022, this represents an increase in the R&D&I budget of 21%.
The Chilean Salmon Industry Association also highlighted the decrease in the use of antibiotics in salmon farming. Last year, a 30% drop in the use of these drugs was achieved compared to 2022, when this downward trend had already begun. Antibiotics are used only when strictly necessary and always under the authorization of veterinarians, thus consolidating the path towards the commitment of a 50% reduction by 2025 that the Association signed with the NGO Monterey Bay Aquarium.
In addition, the Chilean Salmon Industry Association said that there were zero reported escapes in 2023, a fact it described as an "environmental milestone" that, it said, reinforces the industry's commitment to the protection of marine ecosystems, achieved through the implementation of real-time monitoring systems and advanced technologies.
SalmonChile also noted the local investment. With CLP 46,000 million (EUR 44 million / USD 48 million) invested exclusively in suppliers in Aysén - one of the country's main salmon farming areas, but also one of the largest and most unpopulated regions in the country - it continues to drive growth in the southern south.
In conclusion, it recalled that salmon is the country's second most exported product. Last year, Chilean salmon farming totaled USD 6.463 million (EUR 5.9 million) in exports, second only to copper, and ahead of lithium and the fruit, forestry, and wine industries.
The Chilean Salmon Industry Association also pointed out that its member companies employ thousands of people throughout the country, being an engine of development for Chile and boosting the regional economy through quality jobs.
"Our industry is focused on promoting sustainable and balanced growth in each territory where we are present," said Arturo Clément. "We are committed to supporting communities through social, environmental, and economic development initiatives that have improved the quality of life of thousands of people in the south of the country, which is a reflection of the commitment we have to generate value throughout Chile," he added.
In addition, during the presentation of SalmonChile's IX Sustainability Report 2023, the importance of science in the advances that Chilean salmon farming was also highlighted.
Esteban Ramírez, General Manager of Intesal - which, as mentioned above, is Salmonchile's Salmon Technology Institute -, pointed out the importance of science in the advances that Chilean salmon farming has experienced, highlighting the Science Plan for Salmon Farming launched in 2023, which has reinforced research in critical areas such as climate change, water resources, and biodiversity.
"This initiative allows us to advance cutting-edge research in key areas, such as the health of marine ecosystems and the efficient use of water resources," Ramirez explained. "Looking ahead, we hope that this scientific strategy will not only boost our competitiveness and sustainability but also make our sector a global benchmark in responsible aquaculture production."
"To this end, we are very pleased that the industry continues to invest in R&D&I to raise more initiatives that solve the gaps through innovative solutions," Intesal's General Manager concluded.