Aquaculture and Its Impacts on the Conservation of Chilean Patagonia
Alejandro H. Buschmann, Edwin J. Niklitschek, Sandra V. Pereda
Abstract
Aquaculture in the Patagonian fjords and channels has experienced sustained growth during the last four decades, despite the lack of knowledge on the magnitude and intensity of its impacts. Based on a review of the latest literature, this chapter summarizes its main negative risks and delivers four recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of severe impacts on these ecosystems in a changing context. We highlight the urgent need to prevent regional and ecosystem problems. Relevant regulatory changes are required in accordance with the intensity and distribution of industrial activity. They include the implementation of an adequate monitoring system and the creation of an integrated system to effectively manage marine protected areas. Following a precautionary principle, in the short term we recommend halting the productive and territorial expansion of aquaculture, initiating essential changes to the current legislation on salmon escapes, limiting the use of chemotherapeutics and increasing public and private investment in the research and development of monitoring and mitigation technologies. The research priority should be the development of reliable assessments of carrying capacity and effective mechanisms to protect communities and species potentially threatened by this activity.