The Chillean salmon industry is still cut off from its main markets as fishermen walked out on talks with the government.
Fishermen who are blocking roads and ports in the south of the country are said to have turned down an increased offer for government benefits while they are prevented from harvesting seafood.
This is because of toxins found near the Chilean coast caused by red tide.
The worst affected by the protests are the salmon farmers on the island of Chiloe, where two-thirds of Chile’s processing capacity is based. The island has been cut off from the mainland and is starting to run out food and fuel.
According to producers association, SalmonChilie, the industry could be losing $9m a day while the situation lasts.
Road blockades are affecting various points in mainland Chile, including one near Calbuco where Camanchaca has a salmon processing plant. While Cermaq is said to have shut its Chilean factories in wake of the protests.
The fishermen’s protests have sparked several solidarity manifestations among other groups in the region, bringing cities to a standstill, including a protest in the capital Santiago on 5 May.
