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The Government of Magallanes will prioritise over 40 geographic areas in Puerto Natales. (Photo: Stock File)
Salmon industry participates in zoning of Magallanes
CHILE
Friday, August 06, 2010, 01:20 (GMT + 9)
The Government of Magallanes has agreed, along with representatives of various salmon companies, to incorporate them into local coastal zoning work and to regulate and manage economic activities in the region and establish a fair coexistence between the two parties.
Within two months, the salmon farming companies, the tourism industry, the maritime authority and fishermen will each prioritize 20 geographic locations considered to be of interest to each commune.
In Puerto Natales, for example, they will prioritise over 40 geographic areas, reported La Prensa Austral.
In the case that any double claims occur in an area, the regional government will resolve the issue within a maximum period of three months.
It was also agreed that within 90 days, the authorities and relevant agencies will process applications to extend any existing area or production site, with aquaculture concessions.
The agreement was signed by Mayor Mario Maturana and Regional Secretaries of the Economy and Labour, Javier Solis and Maritza Oyarzo.
On behalf of the salmon industry, the agreement was signed by the president for the Association of Salmon and Trout Producers of Magallanes, Drago Covacich and executive secretary of aquaculture, Felipe Sandoval.
According to Maturana, the pact will allow Magallanes to become the first region to have a structure that regulates and harmonises aquacultural development with tourism enterprises and fishing in general.
Oyarzo highlighted the interest of the employers to keep their sources of employment, reflecting the success that they are having by working together.
Covacich, meanwhile, praised the government initiative which incorporates representatives from the salmon industry in work related to coastal zoning.
"The space which the government is giving us to bring jobs to the coast is extremely important, as until now, we had been absent in that area. But this way, and especially with the new law, we will have a much clearer vision and better regulations over production as there will be a stronger focus on health, labor and the environment," said Covacich.
The businessman expressed confidence in the recovery of the salmon industry, after the crisis caused by the outbreak of anemia (ISA) in 2007.
On the other hand, Magallanes' tourism entrepreneurs oppose the installation of large farms in the area.
The tourism sector fears a repeat of the health disaster caused by salmon farming in the regions of Los Lagos and Aysen, which eventually polluted large quantities of coastal areas which created a social crisis resulting in multiple redundancies.
The president of the Chamber of Tourism, Theobald Ruiz, warns that the authorities should prevent the same thing happening in Magallanes as it did in Chiloé and ensure sustainable development in the region.
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