In July around 690,000 fish escaped from Marine Harvest’s Punta Redonda farm site in Chile. According to the Chilean fisheries directorate, Sernapesca, only 38,000 fish were recaptured after the escape. Chilean law states that at least ten percent of the fish must be captured within 30 days. This did not happen, even after the company was granted an extension of an extra 30 days, and expectations are that there will be severe reactions from the authorities. It was indicated in July that both fines and withdrawal of the license would be forthcoming.
A total of 257 fishermen have filed a civil lawsuit against the company following the escape and claiming around EUR 3.2 million in compensation. The fishermen are demanding, amongst other requests, to know the exact details of what happened in connection with the escape, and what the consequences are and will be for the ecosystem.
