Ricardo Garcia, president of the Chilean Salmon Council and CEO of producer Camanchaca, called for Chile to adopt a state-supported development strategy for the salmon industry, similar to Norway's. 

In a recent opinion piece, Garcia emphasized that the industry has made significant advancements in sustainability and said that a "data-driven, non-ideological approach" is needed to address its challenges.

"To emerge from the lethargy of progress, Chile must recognize the advances in salmon farming, understand that it is a strategic industry for the country, and present its needs for improvement based on facts and data, not on ideologies, and considering the full context of efforts to ensure its sustainability," he wrote.

Garcia highlighted the critical role of salmon farming in southern Chile, particularly in generating employment and contributing to local and national economies. After copper, salmon is Chile's second-largest export product, he noted.

The industry supports jobs in salmon farming and processing and strengthens communities in regions such as Biobio and Araucania by collaborating with artisanal fishers and indigenous groups.

According to Garcia, a key issue addressed is the industry's use of antibiotics.

Chile's salmon farmers use antibiotics to treat Piscirickettsiosis, an endemic disease. However, significant reductions have been achieved in recent years through new vaccines and biosecurity measures, with a 41% decrease in antibiotic use since 2022, Garcia said.

The executive argued that concerns about human antibiotic resistance are overstated, citing studies showing minimal risk.

On environmental impact, Garcia pointed out that salmon farms occupy a mere 0.04% of Chile's Patagonia seas and have implemented systems to reduce waste and optimize feed use. He also notes that studies have found no direct link between salmon farming and harmful algal blooms in key regions like Los Lagos.

Garcia also said that the salmon industry has fostered cooperation with local and indigenous communities, particularly in regions where traditional fishing practices are prevalent.

These partnerships have helped incorporate local actors into the industry's value chain while ensuring respect for protected areas. According to Garcia, protected areas in Chile cover over 40% of territorial waters, four times the percentage in Norway.

Looking ahead, Garcia said that reducing regulatory barriers and investing in innovation could help Chile remain competitive in the global market.

"Norway, the world's largest producer, has been a source of aquaculture technology and innovation for Chile, and although we are working to achieve similar levels of efficiency, being younger, having fewer resources, and lacking a state development policy, we are lagging behind. If we were to adopt a policy like Norway's, and reduce regulatory hurdles and "permissiology," we could generate robust and more sustainable growth," he wrote.

He concluded that while the industry has faced criticism, it has consistently committed to environmental preservation and community engagement.