In the framework of the open innovation challenge "Beach Observatory", SalmonChile selected in September the initiative of Eye Sea and Paz Recycling, which allows detecting waste in coastal areas and optimizing its cleaning through advanced technology.
After carrying out various field visits to the coastal edge of Chiloé and Aysén, data calibration tests and satellite information analysis, SalmonChile, Këtrawa, Paz Recycling and Eyesea Successfully completed a pilot program for the monitoring of residues in the beaches and fjords of Patagonia.
This initiative arose from the open innovation challenge driven by the sector within the framework of the "Comprometidos con el Mar" beach cleaning program, with the aim of incorporating technological solutions that strengthen the monitoring and removal of waste along the coasts of southern Chile.
The pilot, implemented in strategic areas of the Los Lagos and Aysén regions, demonstrated the effectiveness of a system that combines satellite images, artificial intelligence and mobile applications to detect and manage the accumulation of waste on the Patagonian coastline. For this, local teams were trained in the use of the Eye Sea platform, allowing the location, type and volume of waste to be recorded at each sampling point. Images were also taken and the findings were georeferenced.
In addition, satellite images were used to establish a baseline of pollution in the areas analyzed and spectrometry was calibrated with data obtained on site. This allowed the creation of heat maps with areas of higher accumulation of residues, facilitating decision-making.
According to the final report, the results of the pilot confirm the viability of this system to improve waste management and cleaning operation planning, additionally recommending the implementation of a scalable model to expand the monitoring coverage and integrate citizen participation in the process.
The project manager of SalmonChile, Marcela Bravo, highlighted that "we are very happy with the results of the pilot. This technology provides us with a key tool to strengthen our commitment to the protection of the marine environment and improve the effectiveness of cleaning operations on our coasts."
1,727 kilometres of coastline recovered in 2024
Alongside the implementation of the pilot program "Committed to the Sea," coordination and monitoring activities continued for the beach cleaning program driven by salmon farming companies.
According to the 2024 report, operations were carried out in 16 areas, equivalent to 1,727 kilometres of coastline, collecting more than 5,300 cubic metres of waste. Of these, 64% corresponded to polystyrene, 14% to floats, 7% to buoys and 5% ropes, among other wastes.
In the last eight years, nearly 10,000 kilometers of coastline have been recovered, consolidating this program as one of the most important coastal cleaning efforts in Chile.
