Industry shift underscores global trend as salmon and shellfish farming outpace artisanal and industrial fleets amid climate and regulatory pressures

Chile’s aquaculture sector produced greater yields than either the country’s artisanal and industrial fleets reported in 2024, marking the first time since 2020 that farming volumes have achieved the feat. According to new data from SERNAPESCA, fish farming yielded 1.46 million tonnes last year – driven largely by salmon (970,000 tonnes) and molluscs (412,000 tonnes) – compared to 1.37 million tonnes landed by the artisanal fleet and the 1.07 million tonnes by the industrial fleet. Experts say the milestone reflects not just Chile’s growing role in global aquaculture, but also the mounting challenges facing capture fisheries worldwide.