Diversification of flatfish culture in Chile

Abstract

In 1982, Fundación Chile (FCH) initiated systematic efforts to introduce flatfish into Chile and to adapt flatfish rearing technologies starting with turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus), given its interesting market and technical features. The technology transfer and adaptation process included three phases: Experimental, Pilot and Full Commercial scale using FCH's modus operandi, which included progressive transfer and the involvement of private investors in the new development. Presently, there are two hatcheries operating in the central–northern region of Chile, one located in Tongoy, Region IV (30°S) and one located in Las Cruces, Region V (33°S), and two on-growing centers, one located in Tongoy and one located in Los Molles, Region V (32°S). This initial turbot project generated the first flatfish production facilities operating in the Southern Hemisphere and also established the basis for diversifying Chilean aquaculture, which until then was mainly concentrated on salmon farming. Recently, FCH has initiated a program to optimize and diversify flatfish rearing in the country by adding new species, regions and technologies to Chilean aquaculture. The new program seeks to develop and/or transfer the technology for Chilean flounder ( Paralichthys adspersus), hirame ( Paralichthys olivaceus) and Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus) rearing in different regions of the country. The Universities Arturo Prat (Iquique), Nacional Andrés Bello (Santiago) and Magallanes (Punta Arenas), as well as a number of privately owned companies, that are supporting different aspects of the initiative, are also participating in the program. The Chilean flounder technology is in an experimental phase as a result of efforts developed by FCH and by the Universidad Católica del Norte since the mid-80s. These efforts will provide the technical platform for the new program. The Chilean flounder hatchery will be located in Tongoy and the on-growing unit in Quintay, Region V (33°S). The hirame and halibut rearing developments will be essentially based on foreign experiences as well as on the know-how, pilot facilities and trained teams produced from FCH's turbot project. The hirame hatchery will be located in Tongoy and the on-growing unit in Iquique, Region I (20°S). The halibut hatchery and on-growing center will be located in Punta Arenas, Region XII (53°S). The present program aims to carry out and evaluate improvements in turbot rearing and new flatfish developments under Chilean conditions as well as to explore market opportunities for the project's species. The program should produce a complete technical and economic study for flatfish rearing in Chile.