Title: Shellfish culture in Chile

Authors: Daniel A. Lopez, Boris A. Lopez, Maria L. Gonzalez

Addresses: Departamento de Acuicultura y Recursos Acuaticos, Universidad de Los Lagos, Avda. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile. ' Departamento de Acuicultura y Recursos Acuaticos, Universidad de Los Lagos, Avda. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile. ' Departamento de Acuicultura y Recursos Acuaticos, Universidad de Los Lagos, Avda. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile

Abstract: The present situation and future projections regarding shellfish culture in Chile are analysed. Production has increased exponentially, mainly of the |Chilean mussel| Mytilus chilensis (Hupe) and the |northern scallop| Argopecten purpuratus (Lamarck). At present, seven species are cultured, two of which were introduced. The total invertebrate production corresponding to cultures has increased from 1.6% to 38% over the last 15 years. The effects of the following factors on present and future levels of shellfish culture in Chile are discussed: disease, fouling, borers, red tide and environmental variations caused by the cultures themselves. Potential culture of approximately 70 commercially endemic species not only constitutes an economic option, but also favours their conservation.

Keywords: shellfish culture; culture technologies; Chile; environmental effects; aquaculture; diversification; scallops; oysters; mussels; conservation; disease; fouling; borers; red tide; environmental variations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.020570

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.33 No.4, pp.401 - 431

Published online: 30 Sep 2008 *

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