Chilean Salmon: Blood and Antibiotics in Every Bite?

Chile's position as the world's second-largest salmon producer is overshadowed by serious allegations of worker exploitation and environmental degradation. The industry, which is a major supplier to the US, has reported alarmingly high rates of fatal accidents among its workforce. One recent incident involved a diver's death, attributed to violations of safety protocols, prompting legal action and fines against the company involved.

The widespread use of antibiotics in Chilean salmon farms is another critical concern. While many other nations have drastically reduced antibiotic use, Chilean farms continue to use hundreds of tons annually. This practice contributes significantly to water pollution, impacting marine ecosystems and potentially leading to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to human health.

Furthermore, Indigenous communities and small-scale fishers in Patagonia are bearing the brunt of this expansion. They report depleted fish stocks, polluted waters, and the loss of traditional practices due to contamination from salmon farms. These communities are actively engaged in legal battles to protect their environment and cultural heritage from the adverse effects of the industry.