Salmon Farming Returns to Argentina’s “End of the World” Despite Environmental Concerns
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego – After a four-year ban, salmon farming is once again permitted in the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, a region often referred to as “the end of the world” due to its remote location at the southern tip of South America. The decision, passed by a narrow margin of eight to seven on December 15, has sparked controversy and concern among environmentalists and local communities.
The new law overturns a 2021 prohibition on salmon farms in the lakes and seas surrounding Tierra del Fuego. Whereas the previous law capped salmon production at 50 tonnes per year per farm, the new legislation removes this limit, prohibiting salmon farming only in the Beagle Channel.
The shift in policy was initiated by provincial governor Gustavo Melella, who previously opposed salmon farming, expressing concerns about introducing non-native species and potential irreparable damage to the region’s ecosystems. However, in December, Melella argued the change was necessary to “update and strengthen the regulatory framework for aquaculture development,” incorporating “the highest standards of environmental control.” Details regarding these standards are expected to be determined during the law’s implementation, due by March 15.
The decision comes amidst Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis, with proponents arguing that salmon farming will generate between 4,000 and 4,500 jobs. However, some researchers and environmentalists question these figures, suggesting the government’s change of position may be linked to the impact of eliminating import tariffs on electronic products, potentially leading to job losses in other sectors.
Concerns center around the potential for negative impacts observed in neighboring Chile, where commercial salmon production began in the late 1970s and now dominates the global market alongside Norway. Experts warn that approximately 70% of native fish in Chile face conservation problems due to salmon farming practices, as salmon are carnivorous and feed on native fish populations.
Past issues in Chile have included health crises caused by infectious salmon anaemia, leading to the expansion of farms into new waters, as well as concerns over escaped salmon, organic waste accumulation, harmful algal blooms, and excessive antibiotic use.
The new law mandates a strategic environmental assessment to determine suitable areas for salmon farming and requires environmental impact studies for each proposed farm. Enforcement will be shared between the secretariat of fisheries and aquaculture and the secretariat of the environment, raising concerns about potential conflicts between economic and environmental interests. Some doubt the local government’s capacity to effectively monitor and control the farms.
Organizations like the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea advocate for a complete ban, promoting existing sustainable activities such as nature tourism. The debate now focuses on whether Tierra del Fuego is prepared for the potential consequences of salmon farming’s return.