Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere!
In an event that marked a milestone for the industry, the association, one of the sponsors of AquaSur 2026, finalized the transfer of leadership between Arturo Clément and Patricio Melero, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and public-private collaboration in the southern region.
In a day that marked a milestone in the 40-year history of the association, SalmonChile, one of the sponsors of Aquasur, the most important aquaculture trade show in the Southern Hemisphere, held a change of leadership ceremony. Arturo Clément handed over the presidency to Patricio Melero, a former member of parliament and former minister with extensive experience in the aquaculture sector, after two decades of participation on the Aquaculture Commission.
The ceremony, held at the Empormontt City-Port Engagement Center, brought together more than 200 attendees, including regional and municipal authorities, union representatives, artisanal fishing leaders, and prominent businesspeople from the production sector. The gathering reflected the association’s broad commitment to collaborative work and the sustainable development of salmon farming in southern Chile.
A Legacy of Dialogue and Trust
In his farewell address, Arturo Clément highlighted the progress achieved during his eight years at the helm of the association, emphasizing the importance of building relationships based on trust and transparency.
“Growth without legitimacy is unsustainable, and trust isn’t inherited, it’s built. We concluded that transparency and dialogue were the only way to operate”, Clément stated, adding that working together with workers, suppliers, authorities, and communities has been key to strengthening the sector.
For his part, the new president of SalmonChile, Patricio Melero, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continue contributing to the development of the country, and especially southern Chile.
“We expect leadership, clear rules, and a long-term vision. Without legal certainty, there is no investment, and without investment, there is no development”, he affirmed.
Economic and Social Relevance of the Sector
During the event, business leaders and regional authorities highlighted the strategic role of salmon farming as a productive and social engine. The president of MultiX, José Ramón Gutiérrez, emphasized that the industry represents more than 2% of the national GDP, generates more than 86,000 jobs, and connects thousands of supplier companies from Biobío to Magallanes.
“This is real decentralization, applied innovation, and social mobility for thousands of families in southern Chile”, stated Gutiérrez.
The Governor of Los Lagos and Honorary President of Aquasur 2026, Alejandro Santana, emphasized the importance of the activity for coastal communities and their productive environment, while the Mayor of Puerto Montt, Rodrigo Wainraight, highlighted the sector’s economic contribution, which generates 40,000 direct jobs and makes a significant contribution to the regional economy.
The meeting concluded with a cocktail reception, where attendees shared reflections and reaffirmed their commitment to an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable industry—fundamental pillars for continuing to drive the growth of Chilean aquaculture.
