• More than half of the environmental campaigns required by the authority have already been conducted to measure physical and chemical parameters, within the framework of the Comprehensive Monitoring Plan to understand potential impacts on the marine environment.

• The main results indicate that, to date, there are no significant variations in the main environmental parameters. Likewise, observations to date also show a slow rate of biomass degradation and a good bottom condition for water mass renewal with high dissolved oxygen values. 

Puerto Montt, November 24, 2020. Blumar reported the results of new oceanographic campaigns conducted during October, within the framework of the Comprehensive Monitoring Plan mandated by the authority. This measure seeks to understand the behavior of the environment following the sinking of the Caicura center, after an unusual storm.

To date, 8 of the 11 monitoring campaigns considered in the official plan have been completed, 4 of which have already been delivered in an initial report. It should be noted that each campaign involves monitoring and analysis of more than 21 physical and chemical variables, from the water column to the seabed and coastal environment.

These campaigns involve hundreds of samples that are analyzed by accredited laboratories and reviewed by scientists and academics external to the company. To date, these results show that there are no significant variations in the main environmental parameters analyzed and compared with control stations.

It is important to note that this plan measures parameters at eight monitoring stations and four control stations, including the oceanographic buoy that has operated in the Reloncaví Inlet for more than three years. This allows for a baseline of scientific information about the area for many of the parameters measured.

The Results

The report submitted to the authority indicates that both dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation remain high at the surface, due to the beginning of spring, which is normal for this time of year in the area. Meanwhile, near the bottom, concentrations are also normal, which indicates slow degradation of the biomass found within the sunken cages.

Similarly, as in the last report, the presence of harmful microalgae was scarce. This variable was also analyzed in mussel samples, which also tested negative for this toxin.

One of the aspects that has evolved positively during the campaigns is the change in surface roughness of the sea over the sinking area, which was detected since early August and reported to the authority. Both odor and the presence of birds in the area have decreased; however, daily monitoring will continue in that sector.

On the other hand, an increase in the percentage of organic carbon has been detected on the seabed at monitoring stations near the sinking area, recording values that have fluctuated between 5.7% and 7%, which indicates a relative enrichment in this parameter in relation to control stations, something expected given the degradation of the biomass that remains encapsulated at 295 meters depth in the nets and cages of the center.

“Generally, organic carbon content in sediments below 5% indicates low levels of organic enrichment, while values between 5-15% suggest a moderate to high degree of enrichment. The highest degree of organic matter occurs at monitoring stations closest to the sinking. Meanwhile, at control stations values were below 5%”, explained Iván Pérez-Santos, lead scientist of this study from the i~mar Center at the University of Los Lagos.

The oceanographic campaigns being conducted also include the study of invertebrates, birds and mammals and their interaction with the environment following the sinking. To date, none of the observations have recorded mortalities of these organisms in environments such as the intertidal and subtidal zones.

“More than half of the comprehensive oceanographic campaigns required by the authority have already been conducted and hundreds of physical and chemical measurements have been made that show that, to date, there are no significant environmental variations in the main variables. However, we must continue measuring rigorously and reporting to the community”, explained Pedro Pablo Laporte, manager of the salmon division at Blumar.

Daily Reports

In addition to the comprehensive Monitoring Plan underway, Blumar reports daily—whenever climate conditions permit—to sectorial authorities measurements of salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and hydrogen sulfide. Regarding the latter, it is important to note that during the last month no presence of the latter has been detected.

Likewise, through the ROV Seabotix 300 submarine robot, the company inspects weekly the condition of the sunken structure at 295 meters. Thanks to these efforts, it is known that the modules have not moved from their original position and that the biomass is encapsulated within the nets and cages.