Newsan Food is embracing innovation in mussel production, while José Díaz of STIA appears to be resistant to change.Photo: FIS

A Good and a Bad That Describe Argentina's Reality

ARGENTINA
Friday, February 07, 2025, 21:00 (GMT + 9)

Let's start with the good news. The media outlet Parte de Pesca highlighted today the commercial launch of a project initiated by Newsan five years ago for the breeding, management, and production of farmed mussels. This project stands as a clear example of the path the aquaculture and mariculture sector should follow in Argentina

The company Newsan Food carried out the first export of farmed mussels from Argentina, as part of a project aimed at diversifying the productive matrix of Tierra del Fuego and generating employment in the fishing industry.

After five years of development, the company successfully achieved Argentina's first industrial-scale mussel production, with an initial shipment of 10 tons sent from the Beagle Channel to Buenos Aires for subsequent international marketing.

Low Environmental Impact

“This step marks the beginning of productive expansion that will position the company in the international mollusk market, consolidating its presence in the fishing industry,”  Newsan Food stated in a press release.

Mussel farming, or mitiliculture, is a sustainable and low-impact activity since mussels feed by filtering phytoplankton without requiring artificial inputs. “The method implemented promotes biodiversity and contributes to ecosystem regeneration without altering or compromising its natural balance,” the company highlighted.

The first exported batch includes whole mussels, cooked and frozen in seawater extracted directly from the channel, ensuring the preservation of their flavor and properties. A refrigerated logistics system is implemented to maintain the cold chain from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.

Million-Dollar Investment

The project development required an initial investment of USD 10 million in farming lines, vessels, and work platforms, as well as the creation of an operational hub in Almanza. “In total, the investment plan foresees a USD 17 million outlay to consolidate the project's development,” they indicated.

Fabio Delamata, manager of Newsan Food, highlighted the challenges of this new activity and the support received from national agencies: “It’s an ambitious project and part of our strategy to expand our productive matrix, which began with the commercialization of trout and shrimp. We have worked alongside the province to study natural mussel beds and hope that biological conditions will be favorable.”

The Other Side: A Pressing Problem

Now, let's turn to the bad news. Revista Puerto reported a regrettable incident involving physical and verbal violence against journalist Nelson Saldivia.

The journalist denounced an attack by José "Pepe" Díaz, second-in-command at STIA Chubut (Sindicato de Trabajadores de Industrias de la Alimentación), who assaulted him at the entrance of the Greciamar fishing plant. Díaz confronted Saldivia over reports exposing the union leader's violent behavior.

Saldivia noted that such assaults have been increasing in the fishing sector and that aggressors often act with impunity, partly due to the judiciary’s inaction and companies' reluctance to report incidents for fear of union retaliation.

The journalist held STIA leadership accountable for any harm to his physical integrity or that of his family, reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression and announcing his intent to file the corresponding legal complaints.

The Argentine Fishing Sector and the Need for Adaptation

Argentina's fishing sector faces a critical juncture, demanding solutions from the government. Historically, the industry has relied on government interventions often tied to "counter-services." However, the country now faces a new economic and cultural reality that requires a shift in approach.

José Díaz (STIA, Chubut)

In this new context, unionism plays a fundamental role in finding solutions to reduce costs, both in ships and processing plants. As exchange conditions and international prices of exported products do not improve, it will be necessary to review labor agreements, union contributions, both white and 'black', and informal practices that may be affecting the viability of companies. It is essential that all actors, including businessmen, unions, politics and justice, adapt to the circumstances and work together to overcome the challenges.

A Pending Issue

Union extortion has been part of Argentina's fishing industry for years, and its eradication is a pending task for all stakeholders involved. Only through honest and responsible collaboration can a more sustainable and prosperous future for Argentina's fishing sector be ensured.

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