The Legislature of Tierra del Fuego has approved the Sustainable Aquaculture Law, which creates a new regulatory framework to modernize production, promote employment, and boost research in the sector.
The initiative, driven by the La Libertad Avanza bloc and promoted by former provincial legislator and current national Senator Agustín Coto, was passed by a majority. It allows for the development of both marine and continental aquaculture activities, explicitly excluding the Beagle Channel and emblematic bodies of water such as Laguna Esmeralda and Lake Fagnano.
According to the Argentine News Agency (NA), the law stipulates that any aquaculture project must include a Strategic Environmental Assessment, in line with international standards. It also enables the use of technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), with consultative use of freshwater.
The main objective is to boost the productive development of the province's north without affecting key tourism areas, a sector that employs over 16,000 Fuegians and represents one of the main sources of income for the region.
Provincial officials stated that the law will help attract investment and reduce dependence on the more than 5,000 tons of salmon imported annually from Chile.
Senator Coto celebrated the approval and emphasized that the regulation “combines development, employment, and environmental care with international standards,” while La Libertad Avanza highlighted that it is a step towards a more sustainable and sovereign economy.
