María Rojas, Chile's Minister of the Environment, did an interview for the media El Desconcierto in which she explained part of the SBAP law that had been proposed in the country and which had caused such a stir in the aquaculture sector that the industry is still in a state of alert.
In late May, the Multisyndical Union of Salmon Workers was already concerned about the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP) bill. A law, if passed, would have affected 60% of the salmon industry facilities in the southern zone.
Following significant protests within the country and over five hours of deliberation, the Joint Commission of Congress rejected the proposal put forth by the Chilean Government in the SBAP bill. This rejection would consequently prevent the modification of Article 158 of the Fisheries Law. A change that put at stake the 25-year terms granted.
This ended the protests, although the sector was not at ease with the decision, an uneasiness that eventually had its reasons.
In the interview, the newspaper explained that the original proposal of the SBAP law had been slashed. During the discussion, one of the inquiries raised was regarding the cancellation of salmon, to which the minister clarified that it was due to the species being exotic.
"Salmon are an exotic species in Chile. Invasive exotic species are a threat to biodiversity. Therefore, it seems to me to be logical, reasonable, and common sense that in protected areas, this threat does not exist."
To these words, he also added in his interview with El Desconcierto: "Well, it was lost in the joint meeting. But we will keep having that discussion with the industry related to Aquaculture Act because we keep insisting that this is a proposal for the future, and it will not affect employment. I understand that salmon farming is very important for the country and for the southern regions."
This development has caused concern and has generated anticipation within various sectors of the industry. There is a sense of apprehension as stakeholders await the forthcoming changes, accompanied by questioning and controversy.
