Coho Salmon Welfare in Chilean Aquaculture

Chile is the world's second largest salmon producer, with coho and Atlantic salmon welfare standards under scrutiny from major export markets.

Key Facts

Chile produces over 1 million tonnes of Atlantic and coho salmon annually, primarily in the Patagonian fjords of the Los Lagos region
Sea lice infestations are a persistent welfare and production challenge — chemical treatment options are more limited than in Norwegian farming
Environmental monitoring shows oxygen depletion beneath dense cage clusters — a welfare concern for both farmed and wild fish
Certification by standards such as ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) requires welfare assessments covering crowding, mortality rates and disease management

Welfare Considerations

Chilean salmon aquaculture welfare faces structural challenges from the concentration of production in biologically sensitive fjord systems. Dense cage clusters create localised environmental degradation, including sediment accumulation and benthic hypoxia beneath cages. Sea lice management in Chilean conditions has relied on chemical treatments that stress fish and create resistance problems. The welfare-environment nexus is particularly acute in Chile where rapid industry expansion has outpaced regulatory capacity. ASC certification adoption is the primary lever for welfare improvement in Chilean salmon exports.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC-certified Chilean salmon products where available — certification requires minimum welfare standards
Engage food companies sourcing Chilean salmon to require welfare and environmental standards in supplier specifications
Support campaigning organisations working for stronger Chilean aquaculture environmental and welfare regulations
Advocate for sea lice management approaches that prioritise non-chemical methods to reduce treatment welfare stress