Now that Seabass Chile has successfully closed the breeding cycle of the Patagonian toothfish for the first time, the company is looking forward to the commercial production of this high value species. And it could, they argue, represent a long-term sustainable alternative to the production of Atlantic salmon.
Salmon farming is very popular in the coastal waters of southern Chile. However, the local sector is plagued by such issues as the increased proliferation of sea lice and algal blooms, compromising its performance severely. Aside from warming waters, a main cause of the problems faced by most Chilean salmon farms is the fact that they are culturing non-native Atlantic salmon.
As discussed in our last article on the culture of native species, non-native fish are often not as well-adapted to local climates and pathogens, as opposed to durable and entrenched native species. However, Chile’s salmon farmers have not had a suitable native alternative to farm in commercial quantities until now.
A breakthrough resulting from over 10 years of research has allowed a private company, Seabass Chile SpA, to finally commence commercial production to commence. Alberto Reyes, who has headed Seabass Chile from its inception, has the objective to expand both the hatchery activities and construct a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) grow-out which aims to produce an annual output of 2,800 tonnes of the species within nine years.
he Chilean seabass (Dissostichus elenginoides) is locally referred to by fishermen as white gold and is sold to high-end markets and upscale restaurants for around $30 per kilogramme. In most of South America, these fish are known as merluza negra, while in Chile, they are called bacalao de profundidad. In markets across America, Europe and Asia Chilean seabass are appreciated for their strong flavour and high-quality meat. Like salmon, the fish has a very high percentage of fatty acids, the main reason for its rich flavour.
2000 ? 2020 ? 5m Publishing