The production of farmed salmonids in Chile reached 550 000 t in 2004. The industry is considered to be consolidated, but with potential for further expansion to the south into pristine coastal areas. The environmental impacts of the salmonid farming industry in Chile were reviewed in 1996, and evidence at that time did not suggest significant adverse effects. However, after almost ten years of sustained growth, current evidence indicates that significant loss of benthic biodiversity and localized changes in the physico-chemical properties of sediments have occurred in areas with salmonid farms. Furthermore, the presence of these farms significantly increases in pulses the density of dinoflagellates. Data suggest that escaped farmed fish may have an impact on native species, although their survival in the wild appears low. The abundance of omnivorous diving and carrion-feeding marine birds increased from twofold to fivefold in areas with salmon farms compared with control areas without them. It is urgent that an ecosystem approach be implemented to assess all impacts of salmonid farming on coastal ecosystems in southern Chile.

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ABSTRACT.Evidence is presented supporting the technical and economic possibilities of giant barnacle Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782) culture, one of the main alternatives for diversifying aquaculture in Chile. Spat collection from the wild varied between different sites in the north and south of the country and according to type of artificial collector. Growth also varied between sites (greater in the north), technological systems (greater in tubular systems) and depths (greater at 4 m). Average commercial size in the national market was reached over a period between 18 and 24 months. A long-line can produce between 7 to 10 gross ton during this period, therefore average annual fisheries production can be reached with only 10 to 30 longlines, in an area of 1 to 3 ha. There is demand for this resource in the external market, particularly in the Japanese market, either as product similar to "fujit subo" (Balanus rostratus), or as a new resource; the relationship between production costs and price determines that giant barnacle culture has commercial potential. Economic indicators for cultured giant barnacle were as follows: net present value (NPV): US$ 490,000; internal rate of return (IRR): 32%; discounted payback period (DPBP): 4 years. Results obtained suggest the natural bank repopulation option, and the development of mass cultures. Giant barnacle culture is based on biological characteristics that differentiate it from other crustaceans species, as well as simple and economic production technologies and favourable economic projections on external markets. Keywords: Austromegabalanus psittacus, barnacle culture, spat collection, commercial size, aquaculture diversification, Chile. Diversificación de la acuicultura chilena: el caso del cirripedio giganteAustromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782) RESUMEN. Se presentan evidencias de las posibilidades técnicas y económicas del cultivo del cirripedio gigante o "picoroco", Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782). Esta especie es una de las principales alternativas para la diversificación de la acuicultura en Chile. La captación de semilla desde el ambiente varió entre distintos sitios del norte y sur del país y según el tipo de colector artificial. El crecimiento también varió entre localidades (mayor en el norte del país), el tipo de sistema (mayor en sistemas tubulares) y profundidad (mayor a 4 m). La talla comercial promedio del mercado nacional se alcanzó entre 18 y 24 meses. Un longline puede producir entre 7 y 10 ton brutas en ese periodo, por lo que la producción promedio anual por pesquería se puede alcanzar con sólo 10 a 30 long-lines, en un área de 1 a 3 ha. Existe demanda de este recurso en el mercado externo particularmente en el mercado japonés sea como símil del "fujit subo" (Balanus rostratus) o como recurso nuevo; las relaciones de costos de producción y precios indican que tienen potencialidades en cultivos comerciales. Los indicadores económicos para el picoroco congelado proveniente de cultivo fueron los siguientes: el valor actuali...

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