More than a hundred images participated in the unique competition that called upon photographers, residents and industry workers. Three works were winners and twenty were selected for the exhibition at the Juan Pablo II Museum, where another twenty historical photographs that depict the beginnings of the Chilean salmon farming industry will be added.
A photo taken in the Reloncaví estuary, another depicting a sunset at an island Maillen cultivation center and a underwater image of a diver's work in the industry were the winners of the photographic contest 50 years of salmon farming in Chilecompetition that called on photographers, residents and industry workers to commemorate fifty years of salmon history in southern Chile.
During the call, held in September and October, more than a hundred images were received that portray various aspects of salmon farming in Chile: its people, the trades that support it and the landscapes that frame it. From this set, twenty photographs were selected to be included in the exhibition Salmon farming: 50 years in Chile, which will be presented on the first floor of the Juan Pablo II Museum between 27 October and 16 November.
The exhibition will feature the selected works from the competition along with twenty historical photographs belonging to the collection of Alfonso Muena Rodríguez, pioneer of national salmon farming. Together, these forty pieces offer a visual journey that connects past and present, celebrating half a century of an activity that has deeply marked the productive, social and territorial identity of southern Chile.
"The event surprised us with the huge variety of works and techniques we received. There were proposals ranging from historical records to current perspectives, all with their own mark and a deep sense of belonging. This diversity not only reflects the evolution of salmon farming in Chile, but also the richness of the perspectives that interpret it, set within an imposing natural setting such as the southern region," he specified. Cristian Duarte, professional photographer and chairman of the jury.
The winners
After an exhaustive deliberation process, the jury - composed of five distinguished professionals in photography, anthropology and communications - selected the three winning photographs in this unprecedented commemorative event, which was sponsored by the Illustrious Municipalidad of Puerto Montt and the sponsorship of the company Mowi.
The first place fell on the image titled Hands, net and fish, of the participant from Puerto Varas Giovanni Lambert, a photograph on a scale of greys that portrays with force and sensitivity the human bond with the salmon work, highlighting the gesture, texture and action in the trade.
The second place It was for “Darkness in Maillen”, of Raúl Gonzalez, participant of Puerto Montt, who captured the relationship between landscape and production, highlighting the natural beauty of the territory and its connection with salmon farming.
The third place corresponded to Solange Mayorga, with image “Salmon diver”, a portrait that puts into value the submerged, silent and essential work of those operating underwater.
The general manager of Mowi Chile, Fernando Villarroelstressed the importance of generating and supporting such initiatives.
“For Mowi it is an honor to have collaborated in the exhibition that celebrated the 50th anniversary of salmon farming in Chile and to make it available to the community. It is an opportunity to recognize the trajectory of the sector and the contribution it has made to the development of the south of our country. Through the award-winning images, we appreciate the evolution of an industry that today stands for innovation, sustainability and commitment to communities.” He said.
For its part the mayor of Puerto Montt Rodrigo Wainraihgt, he stressed that “smonculture is part of the history of our city and southern southern Chile. What better place for this exhibition than the Juan Pablo II Museum, a space that protects the memory of the portmontinos. We are working on the Salmon Plan 2050 and we want to project this industry in a sustained way towards the future.”
The exhibition will open on Thursday 30 October 2025 at 18:30 in the Juan Pablo II Historical Museum of Puerto Montt, in a ceremony that will have the presence of local authorities, representatives of the industry and the community, occasion on which the winners of the contest will be rewarded.
