As we highlighted earlier this month, an unprecedented 'red tide' algal bloom crisis is deepening and spreading in Chile, turning the sea water red and resulting in seafood such as mussels, hake and other fish pulled from the ocean poisonous, thereby putting significant pressure on the tens of thousands of artisanal fishermen. The Chilean government has been forced to declare a state of emergency for several months now, with officials warning that it could be extended indefinitely. It has now been called the country's worst environmental crisis in recent years. Some fishermen are blaming the local salmon industry, the world’s second largest, for making the problem worse, citing that the dumping of dead fish in March by the salmon farmers after a bloom killed off much of their stock.
As we highlighted earlier this month, an unprecedented 'red tide' algal bloom crisis is deepening and spreading in Chile, turning the sea water red and resulting in seafood such as mussels, hake and other fish pulled from the ocean poisonous, thereby putting significant pressure on the tens of thousands of artisanal fishermen. Fishing accounts for around 0.5% of the country's GDP and is the mainstay for many coastal settlements. It has now been called the country's worst environmental crisis in recent years. Some fishermen are blaming the local salmon industry, the world’s second largest, for making the problem worse, citing that the dumping of dead fish in March by the salmon farmers after a bloom killed off much of their stock.