Small-Scale Aquaculture (SSA)
Although there is no official definition for Small-Scale Aquaculture (SSA) in Chile, the term has been frequently used, including during ongoing regulations at governmental level. Despite of this lack of official definition, SSA is commonly as “artisanal” aquaculture with low technology involvement with production volumes, per production unit (micro and small business), are significantly lower compared to large-scale or industrial aquaculture.
SSA can be carried out by individuals, families, and also by artisanal fishing organizations, the latter gradually seeing SSA as a real alternative to diversify and complement their productive activity, which has been happening in the Lake District. SSA production in Chile is concentrated in the bivalves farming (e.g. mussels, oysters, and scallops), seaweed farming, and to a lesser extent, fish farming. SSA presents several opportunities (i) it appears as an alternative for the most vulnerable levels of fishing that can generate and increase profits, (ii) allows women, young people, and the elderly to participate in productive activities, (iii) promotes productive chains with other economic activities such as gastronomy and tourism, synergistically enhancing local development in remote coastal communities or those with low development, and (iv) helps strengthen social cohesion when carried out by communities or artisanal fishing organizations.
Integrated and Sustainable Model
In this context, in 2015, the “Society Engagement” program from INCAR developed a model integrating multiple variables to promote sustainable SSA considering environmental, economic, productive, social, organizational, sanitary, and legal dimensions equally.
This model has successfully addressed social and environmental gaps within the communities we work with. It aids in resolving sustainability issues in aquaculture by promoting collaboration and strengthening networks (enhancing social capital), conserving the ecosystems used for SSA, generating revenue that contributes to local development.
Since 2015, the undertaken work has embraced methodologies that emphasize active participation and co-creation with community members or organizations. This approach incorporates local ecological knowledge and facilitates the customization of the APE model to suit individual circumstances.
