Salmon Farming

The salmon aquaculture sector in Chile is developing due to continual use of technology and innovation, applied science, strong human capital and a constant public-private partnership.

A principal challenge for the industry is to raise awareness of its sustainability, environmental, financial and social issues. Therefore, Atlantic Salmon (Salar), Pacific Salmon (Coho) and Rainbow Trout production has a solid regulatory framework that protects the health of the environment.

The production process in the aquaculture sector is governed by the most demanding national and international standards covering quality, occupational health and safety, food safety and the environment.

We are the second largest export sector in Chile, and the second largest salmon producer in the world. We generate over 61,000 direct and indirect jobs in the La Araucanía, Los Lagos, Aysén and Magallanes regions and successfully cater to over 100 markets world-wide.

A little over 30 years ago Chile saw the birth of salmon farming, a new and important business, when the extraordinary hydrological, climatic and geographical conditions offered by the southern regions of Chile were first noticed, as these are difficult to find in other parts of the planet.

These unique conditions, combined with the dedication and commitment of its people, have enabled the Chilean salmon industry to now occupy a prominent place among global producers, despite the tremendous distances between Chile and its target markets.

Salmon has unique farming characteristics, as it lives in the sea, but returns up river to breed. We invite you to learn about these characteristics.

The salmon production cycle consists of stages that are associated with the size of the fish, their environmental and feeding requirements, and finally their processing.

(Photo Credit: Ventisqueros)