Acuinova centre. (Photo: Acuinova)

Acuinova charged with environmental breaches

CHILE
Monday, September 29, 2014, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

After monitoring various salmon farms in the Aysen region, the Superintendence of the Environment (SMA), the Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR) and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) proceeded to set charges against Acuinova SA.

The decision was made after checking a number of environmental and sanitary breaches in the farms this company has in that Chilean region. 

Acuinova’s centres that were audited were the following: Quitralco 1, Butan 3, Psicultura Fiordo Aysen and Centro de Cosecha located in Bahía Chacabuco.

Authorities detailed that breaches detected were as follows:

• The mandatory procedure for transport, cleaning and disinfection of the culture center nets was not followed;
• Nets fixed on the seabed with holes, affecting the soil in the area, were detected;
• Mortalities were mishandled and the personnel involved in the different stages of the operation were not trained;
• The Maritime Authority was not informed of the start of the outfall installation operations.

The Superintendent explained that "due to uncompliance, the SMA will request Acuinova to take provisional measures in the farming centre Quitralco 1 in order to prevent the imminent harm to the environment."

One of such measures is the removal of nets from support vessels, which should be placed in containers to prevent runoff. In addition, cleaning and disinfection must be performed within authorized workshops having the necessary legal permits.

Setting charges is the beginning of a sanctioning procedure by the SMA.

Acuinova will have a 10 day deadline to submit a Compliance Programme or a 15 day limit to submit rebuttals to the SMA. After this period, the sanctioning process will continue.

Related articles:

- Pescanova denies official notification on sales of Chilean subsidiaries
- Marine Harvest buys Acuinova assets
- SMA approves compliance programmes of two salmon firms

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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