The comparison between tourism and salmon farming returns to the center of the debate in Patagonia. A Chilean study published in 2024 demystifies the economic benefits of salmon farming and contrasts them with the contributions of tourism.
According to the survey, in 2023 tourism contributed 9.7% to the national GDP, generating 960,000 jobs and US$13.000 million in foreign currency, almost ten times more than the salmon industry, which exported US$6.463 million and generated 70,000 jobs.
Environmental Impacts and Ecological Risks
Salmon farming faces allegations of pollution, antibiotic use, and the impact on unique ecosystems.
The study warns that Chilean salmon farming, while profitable, carries serious environmental impacts: fish escapes, pollution of fjords like Comau, intensive use of antibiotics, and the impact on marine habitats.
These effects endanger biodiversity and the future of the Chilean Patagonia, one of the most fragile and valuable regions on the planet.
Tourism: engine of sustainable development
Generates local employment, promotes conservation, and strengthens territorial equity.
In 2024, Chile received 5.2 million foreign visitors, 40% more than the previous year, resulting in employment, well-being, and protection of territories.
The study concludes that tourism outperforms salmon farming in economic contribution, and also promotes conservation, cultural diversity, and regional equity, without the ecological risks associated with the aquaculture industry.
Tourism vs. salmon farming: the dilemma facing Patagonia.
The Argentine Case: Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel
A 2019 study projected scarce benefits and high environmental costs for salmon farming in the southernmost region.
In Argentina, an analysis of possible crops in the Beagle Channel estimated that only 75 direct jobs would be created, mostly skilled and likely filled by foreign personnel.
The report warned of incalculable environmental impacts, with risks for tourism, the ecosystem, and the local economy, and concluded that the province would hardly be able to reap the benefits of this industry in the short term.
Fueguian Tourism: local employment and diverse profiles
Contributes to 15% of registered private employment and demands local and varied labor.
Until 2019, tourism in Tierra del Fuego directly employed 7,200 people and indirectly 16,500, with a multiplier effect not yet quantified.
Unlike salmon farming, tourism requires diverse profiles, promotes local hiring, and strengthens the region’s socioeconomic fabric.
Open-Sea Farming? A Technical and Territorial Challenge
The geography of Tierra del Fuego hinders the development of salmon farming on the Atlantic Coast.
The bill seeking to amend Law 1.355 would allow farming only in open sea, but the tide range and wave force on the Fueguian coast limit its technical and economic viability.
Instead, existing activities could be enhanced, such as tourism, which already demonstrates greater economic relevance and less environmental impact.
