SMA preventively notifies about a thousand salmon centers by positioning structures

The initiative aims to guide holders regarding the location of their cage rafts and support structures, in relation to the boundaries of their concessions. The use of satellite images allows remote, continuous and timely monitoring to support environmental management of the sector.

The Environmental Superintendence (SMA) carried out the sending of 998 preventive notifications at Feedlots for Salmon (CES) between the regions of Los Lagos, Aysén and Magallanes, with the aim of informing the result of the analysis of the positioning of cage rafts and support structures, in relation to the spatial limits of the polygon of its authorized concession area.

It is a precautionary initiative aimed at informing project holders about the positioning of their structures, thus strengthening the compliance with environmental obligations by the sector.

Notifications were sent by email to the holders of the CES located in the southern zone of the country, corresponding to 321 in the Los Lagos Region, 563 in Aysén and 114 in Magallanes. This preventive notice was sent to 100% of projects with an Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) for production and valid concession, which have obligations regarding the location of their fish cages and structures.

The Environmental Superintendent (s), Claudia Pastore, explained that "these notifications are part of the preventive approach being carried out by the SMA, whose objective is to provide clear and objective information to the holders, in order to promote environmental compliance. As the Superintendence, we aim to guide the sector in fulfilling its obligations, anticipating possible deviations, through the use of technology and continuous monitoring"

Tools for environmental compliance

The identification of the position of the ESCs makes it possible to verify that the holders with Environmental Rating Resolution (RCA) carry out their operations in the spaces defined by the Undersecretary for the Armed Forces (SSFFAA) and the Undersecretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA).

For this monitoring, radar-type satellite images are used, processed using technological platforms, which operate independently of climatic or geographical conditions. This makes it possible to generate regular and reliable information, making it easier for holders to detect deviations in a timely manner and to take early corrective measures.

It is important to note that this preventive line began to be implemented by the SMA in 2020, since then there has been a sustained downward trend in the number of centers in non-compliance. While 45 cases of non-compliance associated with the location of cage rafts outside or partially outside the concessioned area were recorded in 2018, in 2025 this figure was reduced to only 2 cases, representing an improvement of 96%.